Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

CURATIVE TREATMENT for colorectal cancer involves full resection of the involved colon with adequate margins, including the draining lymph nodes adjacent to the organ's arterial supply, with restoration of normal colon function and minimal perioperative morbidity. Totally laparoscopic and laparoscopically assisted colon resections have proven safe for the resection of benign colon pathologic conditions such as diverticular disease. The ability of laparoscopic resection to provide appropriate surgical margins and adequate lymph node clearance for colon neoplasms is under investigation, although early studies show no statistical difference when compared to conventional, open colectomies. Abdominal wall recurrences have been reported after extraction of the tumor through the abdominal wall. A national multi- institutional investigation to determine the morbidity and impact on long- term survival after laparoscopic colon resection as compared to conventional, open colectomy for malignant disease is being organized to investigate these promising new surgical techniques.