title: Laparoscopic colectomy for colonic carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to present our experience with the laparoscopic treatment approach for colonic carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2005 and 2010, laparoscopic colectomy was performed in 13 patients; 9 patients underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, 3 sigmoidectomy and 1 patient underwent laparoscopic caecectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With regards to the right hemicolectomies, the average operative time was 168 min and the average hospital stay 5.3 days. In patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, the average operative time was 176 min, while the average hospital stay was 10.2 days. Finally, the laparoscopic caecectomy was performed in 85 min. There was one conversion (7.7%) to an open procedure, as well as one case (7.7%) of anastomotic leakage, which was treated with re-laparotomy and a Hartmann's procedure. Up to today, all patients remain healthy with no signs of tumor recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic colectomy for cancer, in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, is a safe and efficient procedure.
authors: Surgical Department, European Medical Center, Macedonias 2 Str, 55535 Pilea, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: M G
authors: MG
authors: Pramateftakis
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Raptis
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Mantzoros
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Kanellos
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Angelopoulos
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Psomas
authors: Th
authors: T
authors: Tsachalis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002430:Cecal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012811:Sigmoid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome