Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic low anterior resection using ArtiSential® versus robotic approach in patients with rectal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis

Background Total mesorectal excision using conventional straight fixed devices may be technically difficult because of the narrow and concave pelvis. Several laparoscopic articulating tools have been introduced as an alternative to robotic systems. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes between laparoscopic low anterior resection using ArtiSential (R) and robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer.Methods This retrospective study included 682 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer from September 2018 to December 2021. Among them, 82 underwent laparoscopic surgery using ArtiSential (R) (group A) and 201 underwent robotic surgery (group B). A total of 73 [group A; 66.37 +/- 11.62; group B 65.79 +/- 11.34] patients were selected for each group using a propensity score matching analysis.Results There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between group A and B. Mean operative time was longer in group B than A (163.5 +/- 61.9 vs 250.1 +/- 77.6 min, p < 0.001). Mean length of hospital stay was not significantly different between the two groups (6.2 +/- 4.7 vs 6.7 +/- 6.1 days, p = 0.617). Postoperative complications, reoperation, and readmission within 30 days after surgery were similar between the two groups.Pathological findings revealed that the circumferential resection margins were above 10 mm in both groups (11.00 +/- 7.47 vs 10.17 +/- 6.25 mm, p = 0.960). At least 12 lymph nodes were sufficiently harvested, with no significant difference in the number harvested between the groups (20.5 +/- 9.9 vs 19.7 +/- 7.3, p = 0.753).Conclusions Laparoscopic low anterior resection using ArtiSential (R) can achieve acceptable clinical and oncologic outcomes. ArtiSential (R), a multi-joint and articulating device, may serve a feasible alternative approach to robotic surgery in rectal cancer.