Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery yields superior long-term oncological outcomes compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery in stage II-III rectal cancer.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the long-term oncological and clinical outcomes of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) versus traditional laparoscopic surgery (TLS) in patients with Stage II-III rectal cancer.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 320 patients who underwent curative resection for Stage II-III rectal cancer between January 2020 and January 2025. Of these, 162 received NOSES and 158 underwent TLS. Perioperative outcomes, postoperative recovery, complications, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence and metastasis rates, and quality of life were evaluated. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors for long-term outcomes.

Results: Compared with TLS, NOSES resulted in shorter operative times and less intraoperative blood loss (both P < 0.001). Patients in the NOSES group experienced faster return of bowel function and shorter hospital stays (both P < 0.001). At five-year follow-up, NOSES was associated with significantly improved DFS (P = 0.014), OS (P = 0.009), and higher quality of life scores (P < 0.001). The NOSES group also exhibited fewer postoperative complications and a lower incidence of distant metastasis (P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis identified NOSES as an independent predictor of improved long-term survival and quality of life.

Conclusions: NOSES offers significant advantages over TLS in the management of Stage II-III rectal cancer, including enhanced operative efficiency, accelerated recovery, reduced complications, and superior long-term oncological outcomes and quality of life. These findings support the wider clinical adoption of NOSES as a preferred minimally invasive surgical approach in eligible rectal cancer patients.