In a nutshell
This study looked at two different types of surgery: single port and multi-port surgery and compared the outcomes of each for colorectal cancer patients.
Some background
Studies have shown that surgical removal of tumors via a surgical method known as laparoscopic surgery is beneficial. Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes called keyhole surgery and can involve one cut in your skin (single port surgery – SPS) or many cuts (multi-port surgery – MPS).
SPS generally is considered to have fewer risks as there is only one opening made in your skin.
Methods & findings
673 patients were included in this study. Half of the patients had one cut made (SPS) and the other had four cuts made (MPS).
Surgery took 9% less time for SPS. Patients who underwent SPS stayed in the hospital for 2 days less than patients who underwent MPS.
After two years the authors found that there was no difference in the disease-free survival rate (time from treatment until the return of the disease) of patients who had SPS versus MPS.
Disease of patients’ lungs or heart after having surgery was higher following MPS (4.5%) compared to SPS (1.6%). 1.3% of patients died following MPS surgery due to complications. None of the patients who had SPS died due to surgery complications.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that single port surgery is as safe and effective as multiple port surgery in colorectal cancer.
The fine print
The authors acknowledged that their study is based in only one hospital and that the study should be repeated with more patients in many hospitals.
What’s next?
Discuss single port surgery with your doctor when considering your treatment options.
Published By :
Colorectal Disease
Date :
May 02, 2015
