Authors' objectives: This expedited summary of the clinical evidence evaluates the effectiveness and safety of robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer.

Authors' results and conclusions: RESULTS We included 14 studies in the clinical evidence review (12 systematic reviews and 1 RCT on robotic-assisted vs. laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery and 1 systematic review on robotic-assisted vs. open rectal cancer surgery). Compared with laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar overall survival; similar rates of conversion, blood transfusion, and readmission,· reduced blood loss; shorter length of stay; and improved quality of life. Compared with open rectal cancer surgery, robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar overall survival, reduced blood loss, and shorter length of stay. CONCLUSIONS Robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar or improved clinical outcomes compared with laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery.

Authors' methods: We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence to retrieve systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed the risk of bias in the included systematic reviews using AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2), and we assessed the risk of bias in the included RCT using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials, version 1. We reported the quality of the body of evidence as evaluated in the included systematic reviews according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria if it was evaluated.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2024

URL for published report: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11031254/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Canada

Province: Ontario

Pubmed ID: 38645608

Organisation Name: Ontario Health

Contact Address: 525 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3

Contact Name: HealthInnovationPathway@ontariohealth.ca

Contact Email: HealthInnovationPathway@ontariohealth.ca

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