Robotic rectal surgery: what are the benefits?

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic rectal surgery is increasingly common, with patients seeking information about the procedure.
• Laparoscopic rectal surgery demonstrated benefits over open surgery, driving interest in robotic approaches.
• Previous studies have reported on the advantages and disadvantages of robotic rectal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes of robotic rectal surgery.
• To compare robotic rectal surgery with laparoscopic and open rectal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of outcomes reported over the last decade.
• Analysis of pathologic, functional, short-term, and oncologic outcomes.
• Consideration of operation time, complication rates, hospital stay, and recovery metrics.

Main Results:

• Robotic rectal surgery may require longer operation times, but the gap is narrowing with experience and technique optimization.
• High costs remain a significant challenge.
• Comparable or superior results were observed in pathologic, functional, and short-term outcomes compared to laparoscopic and open surgery.
• Acceptable oncologic outcomes have been reported.

Conclusions:

• Robotic rectal surgery is safe, feasible, and offers benefits over conventional methods.
• It presents a viable alternative to laparoscopic and open surgery for select patients with strict indications.