title: [Laparoscopic-assisted resection of colorectal tumours].
abstract: Two randomised controlled studies comparing laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery for colorectal cancer (the CLASICC and COLOR trials) have been published recently. There is now sufficient evidence that laparoscopic-assisted surgery is as effective as open surgery for cancer of the colon. There is no difference in short-term results (hospital mortality and complications) or 3-year survival rates. The substantial learning curve is a potential drawback for rapid implementation in daily practice and the procedure is associated with extra costs. The impact of the introduction of fast-track surgery has to be considered as another important way to reduce hospital stay. Wide application of laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal cancer is not justified yet due to impaired short-term outcomes, such as increased circumferential resection margins and urogenital complications.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Medisch Centrum, Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd Chirurgie, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bemelman
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Gouma
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome