Which is better, robotic or laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery? Does it really matter?

Abstract

The lead article “ Robotic - assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer results in a significantly higher quality of TME specimen compared to the laparoscopic approach — report of a single center experience ” as published in the July, 2018 issue of International Journal of Colorectal Disease , illustrates the multiple issues confronting surgeons in the management of rectal cancer. The authors are to be congratulated on their excellent operative results; particularly in their robotic TME group where complete total mesorectal excision was achieved in >97% of their specimens (1). That said, this study raises more questions than it offers answers.