Robotic-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Abstract

With advanced stereoscopic vision, lack of tremor, and the ability to rotate the instruments surgeons find that robotic systems are ideal laparoscopic tools. Because of its high operating cost, however, robotic surgery should be reserved to procedures in which the technology can be of maximum benefit, usually when precise dissections in confined spaces are required. Because conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is a challenging procedure, we have sought to assess the utility of the DaVinci robotic system in laparoscopic low anterior resections for cancer of the rectum.