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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
Laparoscopic salvage surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer
Toshiya Nagasaki1, Takashi Akiyoshi, Masashi Ueno
1Gastroenterological Center, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
Background:
Surgical treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer is challenging, and the value of laparoscopic surgery in such cases is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery with that of open surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer.
Methods:
Thirty patients with local rectal cancer recurrence at the anastomotic site or lateral pelvic lymph nodes were evaluated. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the laparoscopic (n = 13) and open (n = 17) groups.
Results:
The median operation time was significantly longer (381 vs. 241 min) but the median estimated blood loss tended to be smaller (110 vs. 450 mL) in the laparoscopic than in the open group. There was only one converted case (7.7%). The R0 resection rate (100 vs. 94%) and postoperative complications (31 vs. 24%) were not significantly different between the two groups. The median times to flatus (1 vs. 2 days), first stool (2 vs. 5 days), and oral intake (2 vs. 5 days) were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic than in the open group.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer has short-term benefits over open surgery and has potential as a treatment option for locally recurrent rectal cancer.
