Racial disparities in access to minimally invasive proctectomy for rectal cancer-a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study.

Aim: The aim of this work was to determine racial disparities in access to minimally invasive proctectomy using a national database.

Method: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program evaluated for surgical approach (robotic, laparoscopic or open), demographics and comorbidity, and then compared by race.

Results: A total of 3511 patients (325 Asian, 2925 White, 261 African American/Black) with cancer who underwent a proctectomy between 2016 and 2020 were included.