Laparoscopic combined resection of synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of performing combined laparoscopic resection in patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer.

Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer who underwent simultaneous combined resection were enrolled in this retrospective study.

Results: Six patients underwent laparoscopic combined resection (lap group), whereas the other 30 patients underwent conventional open combined surgery (open group). Although the operative time was longer in the lap group than in the open group, there were no differences in the amount of intraoperative bleeding. Although there were no differences in the rates of postoperative complications between the 2 groups, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the lap group. During a mean follow-up of 35 months, all 6 patients who underwent laparoscopic combined resection survived without any signs of recurrence.

Conclusions: Simultaneous laparoscopic resection is a feasible procedure in patients with synchronous gastric and colorectal cancer.