Robot-Assisted and Transanal Techniques Reduce Permanent Stoma Rates in Rectal Cancer Surgery

In rectal cancer surgery, laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal approaches were compared for permanent stoma rates. Among 1198 patients, laparoscopic surgery had a 40.1% stoma rate, while robot-assisted and transanal surgeries showed lower rates of 21.3% and 25.6%, respectively. For low anterior resection, robot-assisted and transanal techniques significantly reduced permanent stoma rates. However, complications affected 45.4% of stoma patients. This study highlights the potential benefits of robot-assisted and transanal techniques in minimizing permanent stomas after rectal cancer surgery.