Single-port Robotic Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

The study assessed the intraoperative adverse events (device-related and/or procedure-related), postoperative complications, perioperative recovery outcomes, surgical specimen quality, and pathological indices of SPr-taTME in the treatment of mid-to-low rectal cancer.

Inclusion criteria

• (1) Mid or low rectal cancer, 0-10 cm from the anal verge (MRI definition); (2) Histological biopsy showing adenocarcinoma; (3) Stage I-III (MRI and abdominal CT), including the downstaged after neoadjuvant therapy; (4) Intention for primary anastomosis; (5) Obtain the informed consent of the patient and his family; (6) Suitable for robotic or laparoscopic surgery. (7) Over 18 years old.

Exclusion criteria

• T3 tumour with margins less than 1 mm to the mesorectal fascia or T4 tumour, determined by MRI-scan (staged after (chemo)radiotherapy if applicable) ;
• The anal sphincter complex or levator anal muscle is involved;
• Previous prostate or rectal surgery (excluding local excision) ;
• Emergency surgery was performed due to complications of a rectal tumor;
• Malignancy other than adenocarcinoma at histological examination;
• Pregnancy;
• Signs of acute intestinal obstruction;
• Multiple colorectal tumours;
• Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis Coli (FAP), Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), active Crohn's disease or active ulcerative colitis;
• Planned synchronous abdominal organ resections;
• Other malignancies in medical history, except adequately treated basocellular carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri;
• Absolute contraindication to general anaesthesia or prolonged pneumoperitoneum, as severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease (ASA class > III)