OUTCOME FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION FOR COLORECTAL-CANCER

Background A prospective comparison of laparoscopic or laparoscopicall y assisted colorectal resection versus open resection has been underta ken to evaluate early benefits and cost implications. Methods Consecut ive patients with colorectal cancer underwent either elective laparosc opic (n = 25) or open (n = 29) resection. Results Mean hospital stay w as significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group: 10.7 versus 17.8 d ays. Mean morphine requirements were less in patients who had laparosc opic resection and their recovery, as measured by the dynamometer hand grip and the SF-36 symptom score, was more rapid. Adequate tumour cle arance was achieved in the laparoscopic group. In both groups, the num ber of lymph nodes harvested was similar. Port-site or wound recurrenc e has not been observed at a median follow-up of 28 months. Conclusion When laparoscopic colorectal resection is possible, there are signifi cant early benefits for patients.