Comparison of short-term surgical outcomes between high and low tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in robotic rectal cancer surgery: a propensity score matching analysis

Abstract

Robotic surgery is extensively used for rectal cancer treatment. Nonetheless, studies on whether to preserve the left colonic artery (LCA) during robotic rectal cancer surgery to reduce complications remain scarce and controversial. This study compared short-term outcomes of high tie (HT) and low tie (LT) ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in 455 patients undergoing robotic rectal cancer surgery between May 2018 and July 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) minimized selection bias, resulting in 124 patients in each group. The LT group had a longer operative time (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, lymph node harvest, lymph node positivity, AJCC stage, hospital stay, or costs. Postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperations were also comparable. Univariate analysis identified hypoalbuminaemia, low tumor location, ASA scores III, and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy as risk factors for postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis confirmed low serum albumin and low tumor location as significant factors. Importantly, HT did not increase the risk of complications in either analysis. These findings indicate that high ligation does not adversely affect short-term outcomes and highlight the need for further research to refine surgical strategies.

Keywords: High tie; Left colonic artery; Low tie; Rectal cancer; Robotic surgery.