Comparative Outcomes of Robot-assisted <i>Versus</i> Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection in Mid-to-low Rectal Cancer: A Propensity Score–matched Study on Complications and Permanent Stoma Rates

In patients with mid-to-low rectal cancer, robot-assisted LAR, despite comparable long-term survival and recurrence rates, displayed reduced complications, including fewer instances of anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma requirements than its laparoscopic counterpart. These findings imply the potential superiority of robot-assisted surgical techniques for mid-to-low rectal patients.