Robotic versus laparoscopic rectal resection surgery: Short-term outcomes and complications: A retrospective comparative study

•Short-term outcome and complications of robotic and laparoscopic rectal surgery were compared.•The complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification did not differ between the two surgical techniques.•The use of 4 linear staples or more increased the overall and severe morbidity.•Robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer is technically safe.