Advancing mid-rectal cancer surgery: Unveiling the potential of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery in comparison to conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection

Abstract

Background: Mid-rectal cancer treatment traditionally involves conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection (CLAR). This study aimed to assess the clinical and therapeutic advantages of Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) over CLAR. Aims: To compare the clinical outcomes, intraoperative metrics, postoperative recovery, complications, and long-term prognosis between NOSES and CLAR groups. Materials & Methods: A total of 136 patients were analyzed, with 92 undergoing CLAR and 44 undergoing NOSES. Clinical outcomes were evaluated, and propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to control potential biases. Results: The NOSES group exhibited significant improvements in postoperative recovery, including lower pain scores on days 1, 3, and 5 (p