Robot-assisted surgery for right colon cancer

A Single Center Prospective Study Comparing Robot-assisted and Open Operation With Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) in Extended Right Colectomy for Colon Cancer in the Right Flexure and Transverse Colon

Not applicable Interventional Vejle Hospital · NCT04190589

This study is testing if robot-assisted surgery for right colon cancer can provide the same quality results as traditional surgery while helping patients recover faster and spend less time in the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVejle Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vejle)
Trial IDNCT04190589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of extended robot-assisted right colectomy (e-RARC) compared to traditional extended open right colectomy (e-ORC) for patients with colorectal cancer located near the right flexure or the oral part of the transverse colon. It aims to assess whether the robotic approach can achieve similar specimen quality while reducing postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. A total of 40 patients undergoing e-RARC will be compared with 44 patients who previously underwent e-ORC. The study focuses on patients who are not the most technically demanding or frail, ensuring a more controlled comparison between the two surgical methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with UICC stage I-III colorectal cancer located in the specified areas.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of major open abdominal surgery, acute abdominal conditions, or high preoperative risk scores may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced recovery times for patients with right-sided colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While robotic surgery has shown promise in various surgical fields, this specific comparison of e-RARC to e-ORC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Suspected or verified colonic cancer visualized by colonoscopy and on CT in the anal part of the ascending colon, in the right flexure or in the oral 2/3 of the transverse colon
* Patient is 18 years or older, legally competent and able to comprehend information and give consent
* Tumor is UICC stage I-III on preop CT
* Operation is elective

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous major open intraabdominal surgery
* Ileus or other acute abdominal condition
* CT scan with suspicion of T4 tumor
* RITA score \> 3 (Preop risk and frailty score)
* BMI \> 35 kg/m2
* Project surgeon not available

Where this trial is running

Vejle

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal CancerRobotHemicolectomyCancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.