LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF THE COLON AND RECTUM FOR CANCER

Background Laparoscopically-assisted resection for large bowel cancer is technically feasible. Sixty-six patients who had resection of the c olon or rectum for cancer have been audited prospectively. Methods Cli nical and pathological data were collected prospectively as part of th e ongoing Concord Hospital colorectal cancer project. Patients were fo llowed up for a median of 29 months. Results In 57 of 66 patients In w hom laparoscopic resection was attempted the operation was completed l aparoscopically. Three patients died from perioperative myocardial inf arction. The median postoperative stay was 14 days. There was a high i ncidence of postoperative respiratory and cardiac complications. One p atient developed a port-site metastasis. Conclusion There was no obvio us benefit from laparoscopically-assisted resection of large bowel can cer in these patients.