Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Approaches in Colorectal Oncologic Surgery: Surgical Techniques, Oncological Radicality, and Patient Outcomes

Minimally invasive surgery has fundamentally reshaped the management of colorectal cancer, with conventional laparoscopy establishing proven benefits in terms of reduced surgical trauma, expedited recovery, and oncological equivalence to open surgery. In parallel, robotic surgical platforms have rapidly integrated into oncological centers worldwide, offering high-definition three-dimensional visualization, stable camera control, articulated wristed instruments, and enhanced precision. As both laparoscopic and robotic approaches continue to evolve across colon and rectal resections, rigorous comparative evaluation of their clinical, technical, and oncological value remains essential.Despite widespread clinical adoption, the comparative effectiveness of robotic versus laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery remains an area of active investigation. Key questions persist regarding whether robotic surgery provides measurable improvements in oncological radicality, circumferential and distal resection margins, lymph node yield, and conversion rates compared with standard laparoscopy. Simultaneously, evaluating patient-centered outcomes, including autonomic nerve preservation, urinary and anorectal function, and postoperative quality of life, is paramount.Furthermore, rapid technical innovations, such as intracorporeal anastomosis, indocyanine green fluorescence for perfusion and lymph node mapping, artificial intelligence guidance, and multi-quadrant robotic capabilities, continue to refine minimally invasive colorectal oncology. This Research Topic aims to provide an evidence-based forum bringing together high-quality comparative studies, multicenter registry analyses, technical refinements, and clinical trials that evaluate robotic and laparoscopic approaches in colorectal oncologic surgery.We welcome contributions that investigate operative strategies, perioperative outcomes, and long-term oncological efficacy comparing robotic and laparoscopic colorectal resections. Specific themes of interest include, but are not limited to:• Comparative short- and long-term oncological outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic colorectal resection.• Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (D3) in right- and left-sided colon cancers.• Total mesorectal excision, ultra-low rectal cancer, and intersphincteric resections.• Minimally invasive surgical management of locally advanced tumors and conversion reduction strategies.• Technical innovations: intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging, and real-time vessel navigation.• Artificial intelligence (AI), computer-assisted navigation, and machine learning guidance for intraoperative decision-making and surgical technique.• Functional preservation: autonomic pelvic plexus sparing, urinary and sexual outcomes, and postoperative quality of life.• Learning curves, surgical training, credentialing, and health-economic evaluations of robotic and laparoscopic platforms.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Systematic Review, Clinical Trial, and Perspective articles.Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public databases without independent cohort or biological validation are out of scope for this journal. Topic editors: Alessio Giordano, Andrea Balla, Diego Coletta Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86180/robotic-vs-laparoscopic-approaches-in-colorectal-oncologic-surgery-surgical-techniques-oncological-radicality-and-patient-outcomes