The first robotic colectomy was performed 20 years ago. Since that time, the robotic surgery platform has made significant advancements and become increasingly prevalent in colorectal surgery. The da Vinci Xi system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and technology such as integrated table motion has facilitated multiquadrant procedures. Intracorporeal anastomoses (ICAs) have proven benefit in the literature, including decreased length of stay, decreased narcotic requirements, and lower rate of postoperative wound infections and hernias. Additional studies have shown a lower conversion to open rate in robotic surgery compared with laparoscopy. In this article, we will describe techniques for creation of robotic ICAs.
