ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer offers short-term advantages compared with the open approach. However, the procedure is technically challenging and has not gained wide acceptance among rectal cancer surgeons around the world. The major limitation of laparoscopic rectal surgery is due to the need to perform a circumferential dissection in the confined pelvic space, which renders optimal retraction and visualization difficult. The technical features of robotic technology facilitate the minimally invasive approach to rectal surgery. With three working arms, the robot provides superior retraction without having to rely heavily on a skilled assistant. The articulation of the robotic instruments allows the surgeon to follow the contour of the rectum and mesorectum with greater ease than with straight conventional laparoscopic instruments. In addition, the high-definition, three-dimensional camera gives an ideal visualization of all pelvic structures.
