The influence of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer: a case-matched study of 152 patients.

Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and colonic diseases, the impact of obesity on short-term and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery still remains unclear.

Study Design: Seventy-six consecutive obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) who underwent laparoscopic colectomy were matched with 76 nonobese patients with BMI <30 kg/m(2). Perioperative parameters and oncologic outcomes were analyzed in the two groups.

Evaluating the vascularity of intestinal anastomoses--can narrow band imaging play a role?

A variety of factors are critical for the success of bowel anastomoses. The most crucial patient factor is adequate vascularity of the bowel ends which are to be anastomosed. Currently, intraoperative features such as healthy looking bleeding edges of the bowel are considered to be signs of adequate vascular supply.