What Have We Gained by Performing Robotic Rectal Resection? Evaluation of 64 Consecutive Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic or Robotic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Background: Robotic surgery is thought to be a solution to overcome the limitations of laparoscopy in sphincter-saving resections. In this study, we present our results on patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) consecutively for rectal adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: Between February 2008 and June 2011, consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic LAR by a single surgical team for rectal cancer were evaluated. The patients' demographic, operative, postoperative short-term follow-up, and histopathologic data were analyzed. Results: Twenty-seven patients underwent robotic LAR, whereas 37 patients underwent laparoscopic LAR. The operation time of the laparoscopy group was significantly shorter than that of the robotic group (P = 0.02). The complete total mesorectal excision rate was significantly higher in the robotic group (P = 0.02). The overall complication rates were 11.11% and 21.62% in the robotic and laparoscopy groups, respectively (P = 0.45). Conclusions: Good quality of resected specimens could be achieved with robotic LAR. Further prospective studies including long-term oncologic outcomes and costs with higher patient number are definitely needed to assess the benefits of robotic resection in rectal cancer treatment.