Objective: To compare short-term outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 365 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were included in this study

among which 175 patients underwent robotic-assisted TME (R-TME group) and 190 patients underwent laparoscopic TME (L-TME group). The data of intra-operative

post-operative and clinical follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared to the L-TME group

the R-TME group had significantly less amount of bleeding [ (94.8±55.6) mL vs. (127.4±42.1) mL

t=-2.739

P=0.007]

shorter first aerofluxus time [ (60.3±11.9) h vs. (78.8±12.3) h

t=-12.189

P=0.000]

shorter first liquid diet time [ (89.0±15.0) h vs. (113.7±10.1) h

t=-13.597

P=0.000]

shorter postoperative hospital stay [ (8.5±1.7) d vs. (10.2±2.4) d

t=-4.150

P=0.000]

but more in-patient costs [ (83 538.1±10 911.0) vs. (70 640.4±11 659.0)

t=6.338

P=0.000]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in operation time [ (202.9±14.7) min vs. (207.0±14.2) min

t=0.566

P=0.572]

postoperative drainage time [ (5.9±1.4) d vs. (6.0±1.4) d

t=-0.516

P=0.557]

and the volume of drainage [ (202.7±87.0) mL vs. (200.0±87.1) mL

t=0.335

P=0.738]. There was no significant difference in lymph node dissection

oncological results and overall postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The circumferential resection margin was negative in both groups. There was no death during the perioperative period. In terms of follow-up

175 patients (16 lost) in the R-TME group were followed up for an average of 17.4 months

and 3 elderly patients t died of other basic diseases. In the L-TME group

190 patients (23 lost) were followed up for an average of 16.9 months

and 6 elderly patients died of other basic diseases. No serious complications such as recurrence

incisional abdominal wall hernias and ostomy-related diseases occurred during the follow-up of the two groups. Conclusion: Compared with laparoscopic surgery

R-TME for rectal cancer with less bleeding and faster recovery of gastrointestinal function post operation

is safe

effective and worthy of clinical application.