Robotic rectal cancer surgery: technique of abdomino-perineal resection.

Rectal cancer surgery using a minimally invasive technique has been regarded as a challenging procedure. Since the introduction of the robotic surgical system into the operating theater, totally robotic rectal surgery has been attempted with several techniques. Abdomino-perineal resection might be a more reliable indication for totally robotic surgery than low anterior resection. Because the range of dissection is confined to the pelvic cavity and mobilization of the sigmoid colon, problems during totally robotic surgery can be minimized. With our technique, totally robotic surgery can be performed successfully. Technical advantages of the current robotic system can be reflected in patient benefits after totally robotic abdomino-perineal resection.