Robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision in low-lying rectal cancer

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term oncological outcomes of robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with low-lying rectal cancer (≤ 5 cm from anal verge).

Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with stages I-III low-lying rectal cancer who underwent robotic-assisted TME at a single institution between July 2013 and April 2017.

Results: Of the 60 patients enrolled, 49 (81.6%) underwent preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, among these 49 patients, 18 (36.7%) achieved a pathologic complete response. R0 resection was performed in 57 (95%) patients. Circumferential and distal resection margins were positive in 3 (5%) and 1 (1.6%) patients, respectively. The sphincter preservation rate was 93.3% (56/60). The overall complication rate was 21.7% (13/60), with an anastomotic leakage rate of 3.3% (2/60); most of these instances were mild and the patient recovered uneventfully.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that robotic-assisted TME is safe and feasible for patients with low-lying rectal cancer.

Keywords

Robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision / low-lying rectal cancer / R0 resection / circumferential resection margin

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