Robotic total mesorectal excision or transanal total mesorectal excision meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS: Total mesorectal excision (TME) has been established as the standard for oncologic resection of rectal cancer, and has a direct impact on local recurrence and overall survival. OBJECTIVES: Our meta-analysis aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes of the newer techniques of TME - robotic TME versus Transanal TME (TaTME). Primary outcome measures included CRM positivity, R0 resection status, distal resection margins and lymph node yield. Secondary outcome measures were overall complication rates, anastomotic leak and wound infection rates, post-operative ileus rates and mean operative time. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies throug..