In a nutshell
This study investigated the impact of laparoscopy (LPS) compared with open surgery on long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that LPS is not associated with better long-term outcomes.
Some background
Colorectal LPS (removal of the tumor by using a cable with a camera inserted near the tumor) is a non-invasive option alternative to open surgery. Prior studies showed better short-term outcomes for patients who underwent LPS. However, too little is known about the impact of LPS on long-term outcomes when compared to open surgery.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of LPS in long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer when compared to surgery.
This study reviewed information about 662 patients with colorectal disease (529 colorectal cancer patients) who were randomly assigned for LPS or open surgery. Patients were then followed every 6 months for 5 years. The occurrence of long-term complications was evaluated.
No differences were seen in long-term complications between LPS and surgery groups. Complications included hernias (when the colon pushes through the incision site or abdominal wall) and fecal incontinence.
10-year overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause) was 45.3% for LPS and 40.9% for the surgery group. At 10 years, cancer-specific survival (time from treatment until death due to cancer) was 54.1% for LPS and 57.4% for surgery group. There was no difference in time to recurrence (when the cancer comes back) between the LPS and surgery groups.
The bottom line
This study showed no differences in long-term outcomes or survival between LPS and open-surgery.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Apr 18, 2016
