title: Laparoscopic-assisted resection is safe and effective for colorectal malignancies: a single-centre experience.
abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate laparoscopic-assisted colorectal resection for malignancies in terms of effectiveness, safety and medium-term survival, comparing our results with those reported in literature. From November 2000 to March 2004, 78 patients with colorectal malignancies underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection. All anastomoses were performed extracorporeally. Where indicated, patients underwent pre- or post-operative chemo-radiotherapy. All patients were followed up at regular intervals for a mean period of 18 months (2-42). The conversion rate was 14.1% and mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 cc. The post-operative morbidity rate was 15.3%. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 12 (3-38) and all resection margins were clear and adequate. The observed overall and "disease-free" survival rates were similar to those reported in literature. Although the body of evidence needs to be increased, our findings and the data in the literature suggest that laparoscopic-assisted resection for colorectal malignancies is safe and effective, also in the medium and long term.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Chirurgica Generale III, Unità di Chirurgia colo-proctologica, Università degli Studi di Padova.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parise
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sarzo
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Finco
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Savastano
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vecchiato
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Degregori
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Merigliano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003082:Colectomy; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology; D012449:Safety; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors