Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
12:45
Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
5.7K
Robotic Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Rectal Cancer: A Feasibility Study from a European Centre
Tou Pin Chang1, Oroog Ali2, Kostas Tsimogiannis3
1Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carshalton SM5 1AA, UK.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 11, 2024
Summary
Robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) is safe and feasible for rectal cancer patients in the Western hemisphere. This robotic approach shows good short-term outcomes, with transferable ergonomic benefits from standard TME protocols.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Rectal Cancer Treatment
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Lateral pelvic nodal disease (LPND) is a concern in rectal cancer.
- Robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) has not been widely studied in Western countries.
- This study evaluates robotic LPLND using a standard robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) protocol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the safety and feasibility of robotic LPLND for rectal cancer with LPND.
- To assess peri-operative and short-term outcomes of robotic LPLND.
- To determine the transferability of robotic TME protocols to LPLND.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 patients undergoing robotic LPLND for LPND ± TME (2015-2021).
- Utilized a single-docking, totally robotic approach with full splenic mobilization.
- Performed tri-compartmental en bloc excision, preserving key nerves and vessels.
Main Results:
- Median operative time was 280 minutes; no conversions occurred.
- Median inpatient stay was 7 days with no major complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3).
- 41% of resected nodes were positive for LPND; all resection margins were clear.
Conclusions:
- Robotic LPLND is a safe and feasible surgical option for rectal cancer.
- The procedure demonstrates favorable peri-operative and short-term results.
- Ergonomic advantages of robotic TME protocols are transferable to robotic LPLND.
