Oncologic outcomes after resection of rectal cancer: Laparoscopic versus open approach.
BACKGROUND
This study examined outcomes of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery in a community hospital setting.


METHODS
A community health care system cancer registry was reviewed retrospectively (2004-2007) for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Primary end points were rates of recurrence and survival.


RESULTS
Both open and laparoscopic resection groups had similar demographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics. Most patients in the open resection and laparoscopic resection populations experienced no recurrence (79% vs 83%, respectively; P = .5). Overall, the groups had similar mean (88% vs 96%, respectively; P = .4) and disease-free (21 and 23 months, respectively; P = .5) survival.


CONCLUSIONS
In a community hospital setting, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer was found to be as safe and effective as open resection in selected patients.
Sambasivan
Chitra N
CN
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Deveney
Karen E
KE
Morris
Katherine T
KT
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D011336:Probability; D011351:Proctoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome