[Experience of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for middle or low rectal cancer].

Objective: To study the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for middle or low rectal cancer.

Methods: 83 patients with middle or low rectal cancer received laparoscopic surgery and 85 patients received conventional open surgery. The cutting edge of specimens and number of lymph nodes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The mean distance between resected margin and the tumor was 3.21 +/- 1.25 cm in laparoscopic operation group, while it was 1.15 +/- 1.11 cm in the open surgery group (P = 0.001). The mean number of disected lymph nodes was 12.53 +/- 1.88 in the laparoscopic operation group and 10.85 +/- 1.81 in the open operation group (P = 0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications was 12.0% in the laparoscopic operation group and 23.5% in the open operation group (P = 0.026). The mean time of food intake and using analgesics after surgery were 2.43 +/- 1.06 days and 2.53 +/- 1.01 days, respectively, in the laparoscopic operation group, while the corresponding figures were 3.67 +/- 1.13 days and 4.55 +/- 1.78 days, respectively, in the open operation group (P = 0.005, P = 0.008).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for middle or low rectal cancer, with less postoperative complications and better recovery after treatment.