Robotic surgery for rectal cancer: Current status and future directions

Robotic surgery has become a new trend in minimally invasive surgery. Robotic surgery for rectal cancer has developed rapidly in the past decade. Many studies show that robotic surgery can reduce surgical trauma, promote postoperative recovery, and protect pelvic nerve and organ function, compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery. In terms of tumor radicality for rectal cancer, there is evidence that robotic surgery has advantages, although these are not yet sufficient. Similarly, in long-term oncological outcomes, robotic surgery shows promise, but the evidence remains insufficient. The learning curves, surgeons’ fatigue, and the cost effectiveness of robotic surgery for rectal cancer also deserve attention. New technologies such as trans-anal total mesorectal excision and remote robotic surgery are gradually maturing and may bring significant changes to surgical concepts. More technological advances and clinical evidence for robotic surgery in patients with preoperative immunotherapy are necessary. Artificial intelligence also brings progress and new prospects to robotic surgery. This review briefly summarizes the current status and future directions of robotic surgery for rectal cancer.