Outcome of Laparoscopic Resection for Left Sided Colon and Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: For many years, traditional surgery for left colon and rectal cancers had developed with variable degrees of morbidity. With the evolution of laparoscopy and by the aid of better visualization and magnification, laparoscopic colorectal surgery had appeared, but technically challenging as it involves almost all advanced laparoscopic techniques, with the benefits of minimal morbidity, less pain, earlier recovery, shorter hospital stay, without compromising oncological results. Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate laparoscopic resection for left sided colon and rectal cancer as regard feasibility, safety and outcomes. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients having left sided colon and rectal cancer, including 29 patients with rectal cancer and 11 patients with left sided colon cancer within the inclusion criteria are evaluated by clinical examination, radiological and colonoscopic study and biopsy and treated by laparoscopic resection and followed ranged from 6 months to 2 years with mean of 20 months. Results: Twenty seven patients (67.5%) underwent laparoscopic anterior resection, 11 patients (27.5%) underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy and only 2 patients (5%) underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection, minimal morbidity, no cancer related mortality and no recurrence during the period of follow up either local or systemic. Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection for left sided colon and rectal cancer is technically feasible, oncologically safe and has more benefits on postoperative recovery.