Comparative Outcomes of Robotic Versus Open Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer at High Risk of Positive Circumferential Resection Margin

Our article assessed the comparative results of robotic vs. open proctectomy for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer at high-risk of positive circumferential resection margin based on MR criteria previously described in the MERCURY I and II trials. Our primary outcome of interest was the achievement of a negative surgical circumferential resection margin. The use of robotic surgery was associated with an increased probability of negative surgical circumferential resection margin in the unadjusted comparison and on multivariable analysis. However, a propensity score-matched comparison indicated no differences between open and robotic techniques.