LAPAROSCOPIC COLECTOMY

Although laparoscopic applications in colorectal surgery are still evo lving, demonstrated benefits, including decreased postoperative pain, length of ileus, and hospital stay, encourage patient and physician en thusiam for this new approach. The cost of the procedure is comparable to that of open surgery, and cost benefits should be realized as conv ersion rates improve. The technique is feasible, and surgeons are caut ioned to be aware of their limitations, as they are learning the proce dure, in order to minimize complications and conversion rates. Questio ns remain, particularly regarding recurrence and survival outcomes wit h colorectal carcinoma. Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for carcinoma should be enrolled in prospective randomized trials.