In a nutshell
This study compared the functional outcomes of the urinary and sexual organs after a robotic (RRS) or laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (LRS). Researchers suggested that the robotic rectal surgery offers better post-surgery recovery of these organs.
Some background
Rectal cancer surgery is associated with a high risk of urinary and sexual complications, which affects the quality of life of the patients. The LRS (removal of the tumor by using a cable with a camera inserted near the tumor) is becoming the standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, is still unclear if this surgery helps in the recovery of the urogenital organs of the patients. RRS is a recent method similar to the laparoscopic method. The robot matches the doctor´s hand movements to perform the surgery using the tiny instruments through small incisions. There are only a few studies comparing these two different methods, particularly in male patients.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate which rectal cancer surgery, RRS or LRS, has a lower impact on the recovery of urinary and sexual organs.
126 rectal cancer patients provided information by gender-specific questionnaires 6 months after their surgery (RRS or LRS).
In the laparoscopic surgery group, 49 were male and 29 were female. In the robotic surgery group, 35 were male and 13 were female.
RRS showed better outcomes of the urinary and sexual organs of males and in the urinary organs of females.
The bottom line
This study suggested that RRS offers better recovery of urinary and sexual organs in male patients and of urinary organs in female patients.
The fine print
The outcomes in the urinary and sexual organs of these patients was only determined once, 6 months after surgery.
What’s next?
Ask your doctor if a RRS should be considered.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Oct 21, 2016
