Robotic total mesorectal excision shows better functional outcomes in rectal cancer patients

Robotic total mesorectal excision (RTME) in patients with rectal cancer demonstrated better functional outcomes, higher lymph node yield, and more complete total mesorectal excision resections compared to transanal total mesorectal excision (TATME). Analysis of 12 studies with 3025 patients revealed no significant differences in total operative time, conversion to open surgery, or intra-operative blood loss between RTME and TATME groups. While both groups showed similar postoperative complication profiles, RTME exhibited higher rates of total harvested lymph nodes and complete TME resections. Functional assessments also favored RTME over TATME.