title: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery: summary of the current evidence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic colectomy has not been accepted as quickly as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is because of its steep learning curve, concerns with oncological outcomes, lack of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and initial reports on port-site recurrence after curative resection. The aim of this review is to summarise current evidence on laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of literature following Medline search using key words 'laparoscopic', 'colorectal' and 'surgery'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery proved to be safe, cost-effective and with improved short-term outcomes. However, further studies are needed to assess the role of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery and the value of enhanced recovery protocols in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections.
authors.affiliation: Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery & Training Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK. emad.aly@nhs.net
authors.forename: Emad H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Aly
mesh_terms: D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic