In a nutshell
This study compared the outcomes of patients treated with laparoscopic and open surgery for low rectal cancer.
Some background
Keyhole or laparoscopic removal of colorectal cancers is being used more and more frequently. This technique has shown to be beneficial to the patient compared to conventional, open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery results in less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, less pain and faster return to a normal life. This same type of laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove tumors which are 10 cm or less (low rectal cancer) from the anal verge (the opening of the anus on the surface of the body). However, there is little evidence which supports this less invasive surgical technique for low rectal cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of patients with low rectal cancer after laparoscopic versus open surgery.
Methods & findings
Between 2006 and 2011, 166 patients with low rectal cancer were included in this study. 80 patients underwent open surgery (control group), while the other 86 patients had laparoscopic surgery (Lap group). Results showed that patients in the Lap group lost significantly less blood during surgery than patients treated with open surgery (200 ml versus 457 ml). The surgery time was not different between groups. However, patients in the Lap group had a shorter hospital stay compared to the control group (7 days versus 10 days). Also, fewer patients in the Lap group (23 patients) had surgery complications compared to patients treated with open surgery (30 patients). Resection was considered to be curative (no tumor cells left after treatment) in 88% of patients in the Lap group compared to 84% of patients in the control group. 18 months after surgery, 9% of the patients in the Lap group developed a recurrence (return of the cancer) compared to 21% of the patients treated with open surgery.
The bottom line
In summary, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer located less than 10 cm from the anal verge is safe and shows similar outcomes compared to traditional, open surgery, with trends towards less complications and shorter hospital stay.
The fine print
The decision for the type of surgery used was taken by the surgeon, which shows that this procedure needs to be done on a selected group of patients.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment in your situation.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Sep 17, 2013
