Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To compare the surgical outcome of robotic and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. Methods From March 18, 2012 to October 25, 2017, a total of fifty-six patients with mid and low rectal cancer underwent total mesorectal excision in our department. Patients were randomized to robotic or laparoscopic group. The perioperative outcomes of robotic total mesorectal excision (RTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) were compared. Results Twenty-seven patients underwent RTME and twenty-nine underwent LTME. There were no differences in operation time, postoperative analgesic time, time to first flatus, time of first diet, time to remove the urinary catheter, length of stay and number of retrieval lymph node (P>0.05). The estimated blood loss seemed less in the RTME group, however it was not statistically different [(77.0±50.0) mL vs. (121.0±129.8) mL, Z=-1.825, P=0.068]. One anastomotic leakage and one ileus occurred in the RTME group while one anastomotic bleeding and one pneumonia happened in the LTME group. There was no difference in postoperative complication rate [7.4%(2/27) vs. 6.9% (2/29), χ2=0.006, P=1.000]. Conclusion The perioperative outcome was similar between RTME and LTME. The long-term functional and oncologic outcome needs further follow-up. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Robot; Laparoscopy; Total mesorectal excision