Comparing the long-term follow-up anal function between robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used for treating low rectal cancer. Its comparative effectiveness against laparoscopic surgery (LAS) in enhancing long-term anal function remains uncertain.

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to compare long-term anal function outcomes between patients undergoing RAS and LAS. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess available evidence. Studies published up to September 2023 in English or Chinese were included.

Results: Seven studies were identified. RAS patients exhibited lower low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.64 to -0.15) and Wexner scores (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.27) compared with LAS patients. However, RAS did not significantly reduce major LARS risk (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68-1.04).

Conclusions: RAS slightly improved postoperative anal function compared with LAS. Further studies with large samples are warranted to confirm or update our findings.