Current status in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic techniques are being applied with increasing frequency to surgery of both small and large intestines.


OBJECTIVE
This review article was undertaken to analyze the current direction of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.


RESULTS
The most feasible procedures are diagnostic laparoscopy, construction of intestinal stomas, rectopexy, and limited resections for benign conditions. Resections for Crohn's disease, especially extensive resections, and colorectal cancer are complex and should be considered investigational.


CONCLUSIONS
The role for use of laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery will expand greatly in the next several years.
Milsom
J W
JW
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Casillas
S
S
D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008297:Male; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*