Robotic-assisted laparoscopic versus open lateral lymph node dissection for advanced lower rectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Rectal Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Limited comparative studies exist for robotic-assisted laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection (RALLD) in advanced lower rectal cancer.
• Open lateral lymph node dissection (OLLD) is a standard procedure, but its outcomes require comparison with newer techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the short-term outcomes of RALLD versus OLLD for rectal cancer.
• To evaluate the advantages of RALLD in a large single-center series.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective comparison of 173 patients undergoing RALLD (85) or OLLD (88) for rectal cancer.
• Analysis of perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and pathological results.

Main Results:

• RALLD had a significantly higher rate of sphincter-preserving procedures (p = 0.007) and less blood loss (p < 0.001).
• Lower rates of wound infection, small bowel obstruction, anastomotic leakage, and urinary retention were observed in the RALLD group.
• Operative time was longer in RALLD (p = 0.007), with no significant difference in harvested lymph nodes or positive resection margins.

Conclusions:

• RALLD demonstrates potentially superior short-term outcomes compared to OLLD for advanced lower rectal cancer.
• RALLD offers benefits including reduced complications and improved sphincter preservation rates.