Is single incision surgery safe and effective for rectal cancer?

This study examined the medium-term outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer.

One major aspect of treatment for rectal cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. This is generally a major surgery which can be difficult to recover from. Newer techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery (where multiple small incisions are used rather than one larger incision) have improved recovery times. Newer forms of surgery are attempting to improve recovery times even further, such as single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Fewer incisions also reduces the possibility of complications following surgery. SILS has been shown to be safe and effective in those with colon cancer, but has been less studied in rectal cancer. This is a newer surgery technique, and the long-term outcomes are not known.

The current study examined the medium-term outcomes (average of 48 months) of SILS in patients with rectal cancer. 61 patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer were included. 92% of patients underwent SILS.

19.7% of patients experienced a complication. These included a blockage of the intestine, problems urinating, bleeding at the surgical site, and infection. 4.9% of patients needed to be readmitted to the hospital.

After an average follow-up of 46 months, the cancer had spread to other areas of the body in 13% of patients. The cancer had spread to the liver only in 62.5% of these patients. 4.9% of patients had died (all of whose cancer had spread). The average time to recurrence (return of cancer) was 7 months.

20% of the males were impotent (unable to achieve an erection) prior to surgery. There was only 1 case of impotence developing after surgery.

This study concluded that SILS is an effective and safe form of surgery for rectal cancer.

Consult your physician regarding the surgical options available for rectal cancer.