Pelvic anatomy and functional outcomes after rectal cancer resection

OBJECTIVE: To compare functional results of laparoscopic and robot-assisted rectal resection and evaluate the effect of pelvic parameters on intestinal and urinary function, as well as the quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A two-center retrospective study included 87 patients after sphincter-sparing rectal resection: 48 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, 39 - robot-assisted surgery. Functional outcomes were assessed using the LARS, IPSS, FACT-C, and SF-36 questionnaires. Pelvimetry was based on preoperative pelvic MRI. RESULTS: <0.001). Moderate correlations between unfavorable pelviometric parameters and worse functional outcomes were found in general sample. In stratified analysis, these correlations were preserved in laparoscopic cohort, but were absent in the group of robot-assisted interventions. CONCLUSION: Small pelvis anatomy affects functional results after laparoscopic rectal resection, whereas there are no clear effects in case of robot-assisted surgery. Robotic platform is associated with more favorable restoration of pelvic organ functions and quality of life.