Right Colon Resection: Evolution and Surgical Technique

This review aims to provide succinct insight into the past, present and near-future of right colon resection. The history of right colon resection as well as the evolution of a laparoscopic approach are described. Standardization of the surgical technique, indications for medial-to-lateral and lateral-to medial mobilization, D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy, iso-peristaltic and antiperistaltic anastomotic configurations, intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis, totally stapled and stapled handsewn techniques, laparoscopic and robotic suturing, mucosa eversion and inversion, and specimen extraction sites are discussed. In addition, totally intracorporeal robotic right colectomy for cancer is described. This review concludes that, whether it is hindered or assisted, gasless or "con gas", multiple- or single-port, extra- or intracorporeal, iso- or anti-peristaltic, right colon resection is still evolving.