Current status of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer.

GOALS

To define the current role of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND

Perhaps in no other field has so much controversy been generated by laparoscopy as in its application to curative resection of cancer of the colon and rectum. The main controversy centers around the oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic resections. The 3 major issues are: the adequacy of oncologic resection, recurrence rates and patterns, and the long-term survival.

STUDY

A review of published data by search of Medline database with focus on clinical studies.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic colectomy is feasible and safe. Modest benefits in the quality of life are observed. Same oncologic resection can be performed laparoscopically with no adverse influence on the recurrence rates. In particular, wound recurrences are not a specific complication of laparoscopic technique. At least equivalent survival is obtained by laparoscopic colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy does not seem to adversely affect chance of cure of colorectal cancer.