Laparoscopically assisted colon resection for colon carcinoma: perioperative results and long-term outcome.
BACKGROUND
The role of laparoscopic colon resection in the management of colon cancer is unclear. The aims of this study were to compare perioperative results and long-term outcomes in patients randomized to either open (O) or laparoscopically assisted (LA) colon resection for colon cancer.


METHODS
A prospective randomized trial comparing O to LA colon resection was conducted from January 1993 to November 1995. Preoperative workup, intraoperative results, complications, length of stay, pathologic findings, and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test. Follow-up periods ranged from 3.5 to 6.3 years (mean, 4.9 years).


RESULTS
No port-site or abdominal wall recurrences were noted in any patients. [table: see text]


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that laparoscopically assisted colon resection for malignant disease can be performed safely, with morbidity, mortality, and en bloc resections comparable with those of open laparotomy. Long-term (5-year) follow-up assessment shows similar outcomes in both groups of patients, demonstrating definite perioperative advantages with LA surgery and no perioperative or long-term disadvantages.
Curet
M J
MJ
Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, 2211 Lomas Boulevard, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5341, USA.
Putrakul
K
K
Pitcher
D E
DE
Josloff
R K
RK
Zucker
K A
KA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome