Résumé
Laparoscopic surgery is now the standard therapy for rectal cancer. It remains technically challenging which limits its application. Robotic surgery is a new technology that enables a surgeon to perform minimally invasive operations with more facilities. This review of current literature shows feasibility and oncological safety of robotic rectal cancer surgery. Robotic rectal surgery is associated with comparable postoperative and oncological results when compared with laparoscopic rectal surgery. It appears to be an effective alternative with a lower conversion rate to open surgery, and better recovery in voiding and sexual function. These potential benefits of robotic surgery could justify its costs.