Robotic approach to locally advanced rectal cancer: a video vignette

Abstract

Locally advanced rectal cancers present a technical challenge for colorectal surgeons. Improving techniques and technological advances can facilitate the procedure. The robotic approach increasingly is seen as an alternative for these patients. Although, the recently published ROLARR trial did not show oncological superiority of robotic surgery over the laparoscopic technique, it did however demonstrate a trend toward better conversion rates in lower rectal cancers and in obese patients.