Short-Term Comparative Outcomes of Single-Port Robotic Surgery and Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery in Rectal...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for rectal cancer presents challenges due to its steep learning curve and technical demands.
• Single-port robotic surgery (SPRS) emerges as a potential solution, offering enhanced ergonomics and precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the perioperative and pathological outcomes of SPRS versus SILS in patients undergoing rectal cancer resection.
• To evaluate the feasibility and benefits of SPRS in rectal cancer surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective multicenter study comparing SPRS and SILS.
• Inclusion of patients undergoing low anterior or intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer (2014-2024).
• Analysis of perioperative and pathological outcomes between the two surgical approaches.

Main Results:

• SPRS group demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (179.95 vs. 318.15 minutes) and hospital stays (6.04 vs. 9.41 days).
• SPRS was associated with fewer postoperative complications (8.9% vs. 27.8%) and less frequent stoma formation (28.6% vs. 50.0%).
• SPRS resulted in a higher number of harvested lymph nodes (22.70 vs. 16.83).

Conclusions:

• Single-port robotic surgery (SPRS) presents clear clinical advantages over single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for rectal cancer.
• SPRS may be the preferred surgical approach for selected rectal cancer patients, enhancing outcomes and patient recovery.