Laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectosigmoid and rectal cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer and rectal cancer.

Material And Method: Twenty four patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer or rectal cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Results were compared with those of 25 patients who had open surgery at the same period. The procedures of both groups were anterior resection, low anterior resection, coloanal anastomosis, abdominoperineal resection and subtotal colectomy.

Results: The mean operative time was significantly increased in the laparoscopic group. However, this group showed faster recovery of bowel function. There were no differences in the distal margin and yield of harvested lymph nodes of resected specimens. Although anastomotic leakage was comparable between 2 groups, surgical wound infection was significantly higher in open surgery group.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer and rectal cancer is feasible and can be performed safely with comparable oncological clearance.