Compared to conventional laparoscopy, the three-dimensional high-quality vision, advanced instrument movement, and improved ergonomic position of the surgeon appear to enhance surgical precision. Robotic surgery in children using the Da Vinci system seems to be feasible and safe. However, the technique is limited due to the fact that instruments adapted to the size of small children are not available. Furthermore, the high costs and prolonged system setup are disadvantages.

The present study demonstrates CO2-insufflation to influence the expression of E-cadherin, I-CAM1 and CD44. Whether these changes increases the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells in vivo needs further investigation.