Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Rectal cancer is among the main causes of cancer-related mortalities worldwide, necessitating more effective treatment strategies. It is considered that lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for rectal cancer patients can contribute to local tumor control and that robotic LPND (Rob-LPND) may be more suitable for LPND, due to technical advantages of precise manipulation in a narrow pelvic space. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic-LPND (Lap-LPND) versus Rob-LPND in patients undergoing radical surgery for rectal cancer. Operative time, blood loss, urethral catheter reinsertion, duration of pelvic drainage tube placement, drainage volume, and postoperative hospital stay were compared between Lap-LPND and Rob-LPND. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that Rob-LPND was associated with longer total operation time, but there was no significant difference in operation time between the two LPND techniques. Urinary catheter re-insertion rates were lower in Rob-LPND; also, significant reductions in drainage tube duration, total drainage volume, and postoperative hospital stay were observed. CONCLUSION: Rob-LPND may reduce postoperative total drainage volume and shorten postoperative hospital stays. These improvement in short-term outcomes suggest potential clinical advantages of Rob-LPND.