Transanal specimen extraction in robotic rectal cancer surgery

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Rectal cancer surgery often involves specimen extraction, with traditional methods potentially impacting patient recovery.
• Robotic surgery offers advanced visualization and dexterity, prompting investigation into its specimen extraction techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the benefits of robotic transanal specimen extraction (RTSE) versus minilaparotomy specimen extraction (MSE).
• To evaluate perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic rectal cancer surgery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing robotic rectal cancer surgery with curative intent.
• Patients were categorized into RTSE and MSE groups based on specimen extraction method.
• Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall complication rates between RTSE and MSE groups.
• Faster resumption of soft diet (3.5 vs 4.6 days) and shorter hospital stay (9.0 vs 11.3 days) in the RTSE group.
• Significantly lower postoperative pain scores from day 2 to day 5 in the RTSE group compared to MSE.

Conclusions:

• Robotic transanal specimen extraction (RTSE) is associated with reduced postoperative pain.
• RTSE facilitates a quicker patient recovery compared to minilaparotomy specimen extraction (MSE) in robotic rectal cancer surgery.