Robotic or laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer - which is the best answer? A comprehensive review of oncological outcomes

Treatment of rectal cancer is ever evolving with the introduction of newer surgical technologies and multimodal treatment approach. The literature evaluating the various surgical treatment options with regards to operative and nonoperative outcomes is abundant. This is a comprehensive review focused on oncological outcomes of rectal cancer resection performed robotically or laparoscopically. Based on the current literature available, there is no significant difference in total mesorectal excision completeness, lymph node harvest, positive circumferential resection margin, or proximal resection margin between robotic and laparoscopic approaches for rectal resection. Selection of surgical approach should not be based on pathological outcomes as they are equivalent.