[Intraperitoneal tumor seeding in colorectal carcinoma surgery--a comparison of laparoscopic versus open procedures in a longitudinal study]].

Tumor cell spread during laparoscopically assisted (n = 35) and open (n = 27) resections of colorectal cancer or patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) (n = 5) was studied by repeated lavage. Positive cytology was found in 3% during laparoscopy, 11% during open surgery and 80% in PC. We conclude that the risk of cancer cell mobilisation is minimal in laparoscopic surgery.