Safety and feasibility of robotic surgery in geriatric patients with rectal cancer

The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing in the elderly population, yet the safety of surgical interventions in this group, particularly robotic surgery, is still debated. This study aims to investigate the safety and short-term postoperative outcomes of robotic surgery in geriatric patients (aged ≥ 70 years) with rectal cancer.

Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and undergoing robotic surgery between March 2021 and September 2023 were divided into two groups based on age: the elderly group (aged ≥ 70 years) and the younger group (aged < 70 years), totaling 108 patients.

The study included 80 younger patients in group 1 and 28 elderly patients in group 2. The groups had similar gender distribution and tumor characteristics. The elderly group had higher ASA scores and lower albumin levels and underwent the Miles procedure more frequently. The stoma rate was higher in the elderly group. Operation duration, tumor diameter, lymph node dissection numbers, pathological stage, and other histopathological features were similar in the two groups. Postoperative outcomes like hospital stay, complication rates, anastomotic leakage, reoperation rates, unplanned readmissions, and mortality were comparable between the groups.

Robotic surgery for rectal cancer in elderly patients is technically feasible and safe. Age should not be a determining factor in patient selection for robotic surgery or be considered a risk factor for postoperative complications.