title: Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: An Update in 2015.
abstract: During the last decade, robotic surgery for rectal cancer has rapidly gained acceptance among colorectal surgeons worldwide, with well-established safety and feasibility. The lower conversion rate and better surgical specimen quality of robotic compared with laparoscopic surgery potentially improves survival. Earlier recovery of voiding and sexual function after robotic total mesorectal excision is another favorable outcome. Long-term survival data are sparse with no evidence that robotic surgery offers major benefits in oncological outcomes. Although initial reports are promising, more rigorous scientific evaluation in multicenter, randomized clinical trials should be performed to definitely determine the advantages of robotic rectal cancer surgery.
authors.affiliation: Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Myun
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kwak
authors.affiliation: Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Seon Hahn
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Laparoscopy; Rectal neoplasms; Robotics; Total mesorectal excision