Safety and feasibility of single-port laparoscopic low anterior resection for upper rectal cancer.

Background: Single-port surgery for rectal cancer is challenging and controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of single-port laparoscopic low anterior resection (S-LAR) to multi-port laparoscopic low anterior resection (M-LAR) for upper rectal cancer.

Methods: From January 2011 to December 2015, a total of 93 patients who underwent S-LAR (n = 44) or M-LAR (n = 49) without protective diverting ileostomy for upper rectal cancer were identified. Tumors were located between the inferior margin of the second sacral vertebra and the peritoneal reflection. Short-term outcomes were compared between groups.

Results: S-LAR was successful in 75% of cases: 25% of cases required one additional port. Operative factors, perioperative outcomes, oncological outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. In patients with stage I-III disease, the 3-year relapse-free survival rate was significantly higher in the S-LAR group than in the M-LAR group (p = 0.032). The 3-year overall survival rate was similar between groups.

Conclusions: S-LAR is safe, feasible and can provide satisfactory oncological outcomes in selected patients with upper rectal cancer.