Beyond total mesorectal excision: The emerging role of minimally invasive surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer

Abstract

Multivisceral resection and/or pelvic exenteration represents the only potential curative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC); however, it poses significant technical challenges, which account for the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. As complete histopathologic resection is the most important determinant of patient outcomes, LARC often requires an extended resection beyond the total mesorectal excision plane to obtain clear resection margins. In an era when laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery are becoming commonplace, the optimal approach to extensive pelvic interventions remains controversial. However, acceptance of the suitability of minimally invasive surgery is slowly gaining traction. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about minimally invasive approaches in multiple and extensive surgical resections, highlighting the need for research studies to explore, validate, and develop this issue. This editorial aims to provide a critical overview of the currently available applications and challenges of minimally invasive abdominopelvic surgery for LARC. Furthermore, we discuss recent developments in the field of robotic surgery for LARC, with a specific focus on new innovations and emerging frontiers.