Clinical applications of the da Vinci Single-Port robotic system for treatment of colorectal cancer: a narrative review

The da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robotic system (Intuitive Surgical) was developed to enable true single-incision surgery while preserving the dexterity and precision of advanced robotic platforms. Since its clinical introduction, the SP system has generated growing interest in colorectal surgery, particularly for procedures performed in anatomically confined spaces. However, clinical evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. This narrative review summarizes the current clinical applications, technical considerations, and perioperative outcomes of the da Vinci SP system in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Available literature-predominantly from South Korea and selected centers in the United States-suggests that SP surgery is technically feasible for both colon and rectal cancer. In colon cancer, outcomes appear comparable to conventional laparoscopic and multiport robotic approaches, albeit with longer operative times during early experience. In rectal cancer, SP surgery demonstrates distinct technical advantages, including single docking, reduced incision burden, and favorable short-term outcomes, particularly for low anterior resection and intersphincteric resection. Pathologic outcomes, including lymph node yield and resection margins, are oncologically acceptable across reported series. While early results support the safety and feasibility of SP colorectal surgery, long-term oncologic outcomes and high-level comparative evidence remain lacking. Further prospective studies are warranted to define optimal indications and establish the long-term value of this emerging platform.