Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
[Robotic-assisted surgery of rectal cancer-Technique, limitations and results]
Benno Mann1, Sebastian Kukies2, Olaf Krogh2
1Klinik für Visceralchirurgie/Robotic Surgery, Augusta Kliniken Bochum, Bergstraße 26, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland. mann@augusta-bochum.de.
Background:
The number of oncological robotic-assisted rectal cancer resections is rapidly increasing in Germany and worldwide; however, the indications, technique and potential limitations of this surgical technique are still discussed.
Material And Methods:
The standardized modular surgical technique, the results in our clinic and the currently published evidence are presented.
Results:
The procedure should be divided into seven modules in terms of standardization and teaching. After the learning curve there are principally no limitations or contraindications. The robotic-assisted approach is superior to open surgery in the following points: blood loss, lymph node harvest, negative circumferential resection margin (CRM), complication rate and length of hospital stay. In comparison to conventional laparoscopy the conversion rate and postoperative sexual and bladder function disorders are decreased. The operating time is longer.
Conclusion:
Robotic-assisted rectal cancer resection is firmly established and standardized. The technique is superior to open surgery and conventional laparoscopy in some important aspects and is developing into the standard for this disease.
