Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
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
Enhancing Surgical Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness With TaTME-Combined Robot-Assisted Surgery for Lower Rectal
Takeru Matsuda1,2, Hiroshi Hasegawa1, Yasunori Otowa1,2
1Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan.
Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Combining transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) with robot-assisted surgery (RAS) significantly reduces operative time for lower rectal cancer. This approach enhances cost-effectiveness by enabling two procedures daily, improving profitability without compromising oncological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) offers enhanced visualization and dexterity in rectal cancer treatment.
- High equipment and consumable costs present a significant challenge for hospital management in RAS.
- A combined transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) and RAS approach was adopted to improve cost-efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a combined TaTME and RAS approach for lower rectal cancer.
- To compare surgical outcomes, operative times, and institutional profitability between a robotic-only group and a TaTME-combined group.
- To assess the feasibility of performing two procedures per day with the combined approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 112 patients undergoing RAS for rectal cancer (2019-2024).
- Patients divided into robotic-only (n=75) and TaTME-combined (n=37) groups.
- Comparison of surgical outcomes, operative time, complication rates, and profitability per case.
Main Results:
- The TaTME-combined group had significantly shorter operative times (235 vs. 317 min) despite lower tumor height.
- Two procedures per day were achieved in 73.0% of the TaTME-combined group vs. 20% in the robotic-only group.
- The TaTME-combined group demonstrated greater gross profit per case (JPY 321,800 vs. JPY 224,300).
Conclusions:
- TaTME-combined RAS for lower rectal cancer improves surgical scheduling efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- This combined approach maintains oncological safety and comparable complication rates.
- The strategy offers a model for economically sustainable rectal cancer care.
