Long-term outcome of laparoscopic surgery for T1 cancer patients of the colorectum.

Background/aims: Many reports of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) for advanced cancer have been published indicating that LCS is an optimal and less invasive surgical treatment. On the other hand, there are few reports that address the early stages of cancer, especially with regard to the long-term outcome. This study analyzed the short- and long-term outcomes after LCS in patients with T1 cancer.

Methodology: Between 1994 and 2005, a total of 135 LCS, including 129 laparoscopic colectomies and 6 laparoscopic anterior resections were performed in patients with T1 cancer that was diagnosed after the operation. The median follow-up was 83.5 months (range, 33-165).

Results: Postoperative complications included 6 wound infections (4%), 3 bowel obstructions (2%), 2 anastomotic leakage (1.3%), 1 atelectasis (0.67%). None of the patients required a re-operation. Oral intake was started after a mean of 2.9 postoperative days and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 14.4 days. There was no mortality and the overall survival was 100% in long-term follow up.

Conclusions: LCS for T1 cancer is technically and oncologically safe based on the long-term outcomes when performed by surgeons with sufficient experience in laparoscopic techniques.