RoLaCaRT-1: The aim of this trial is to compare the use of robotic surgery with laparoscopic ('keyhole') surgery for the treatment of right sided colon cancerAn international randomised phase II trial comparing surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted right hemicolectomy versus laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy for resection of adenocarcinoma of the caecum, ascending or proximal transverse colon

Exclusion

1. Evidence of T4 disease invading adjacent organs.
2. Pre-operative surgical plan includes division of the middle colic vessels (extended right hemicolectomy) or any other more extensive colectomy procedure.
3. Synchronous surgical procedure planned with right hemicolectomy.
4. Urgent, unplanned or emergency surgery.
5. Palliative surgical intent including non-resection, stoma formation, staging laparoscopy or open and close procedures.
6. Prior formation of defunctioning ileostomy as part of treatment for this right colon cancer.
7. No plan to create a surgical ileo-colonic anastomosis.
8. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered to treat this cancer prior to resection.
9. Known Crohn’s disease with active terminal ileal disease.
10. History of any conditions that would preclude use of a minimally-invasive approach (e.g. multiple previous major laparotomies, severe adhesions, patient co-morbidity).
11. Concurrent or previous abdominal or pelvic malignancy within five years prior to registration irrespective of treatment modality.
12. Other co-morbidities or conditions that may compromise assessment of key outcomes.
13. Significant metastatic disease which would be expected to impact life expectancy of at least 1 year
14. Evidence of systemic disease (cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, etc.) that would preclude surgery, or other severe incapacitating disease, i.e. ASA IV (a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life) or ASA V (a moribund patient who is not expected to survive without the operation).
15. Pregnancy or lactation.