title: Laparoscopic and converted approaches to rectal cancer resection have superior long-term outcomes: a comparative study by operative approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes for rectal cancer resection by operative approach. Our hypothesis is that laparoscopic (LAP) and LAP converted to open (OPEN) rectal cancer resections have excellent patient and oncologic outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of a prospective database identified curative rectal cancer resections. Patients were stratified by operative approach: LAP, OPEN, or CONVERTED. Oncologic and clinical outcomes data was examined for each operative approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 294 patients were analyzed-116 LAP (39.5%), 153 OPEN (52.0%), and 25 (8.5%) CONVERTED. Groups were comparable in demographics. Mean distal margin, circumferential resection margin, and lymph nodes harvested were comparable. The median length of stay was 4 days (range 1-20) LAP, 6 days (range 3-13) CONVERTED, and 8 days (range 1-35) OPEN (p < 0.01). More OPEN had postoperative complications (p < 0.01)-complication rates were 43.8% OPEN, 32.0% CONVERTED, and 21.5 % LAP. Unplanned readmissions and reoperations were similar (21.6% OPEN, 16.0% CONVERTED, 12.1% LAP). Overall 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 98.3%, and local recurrence rate was 2.0%. By approach, DFS was 100% CONVERTED, 93.1% LAP, and 87.6% OPEN (p = 0.31). Overall survival (OS) was 100 % CONVERTED, 99.1% LAP, and 97.4%. OPEN. Local recurrence was 0% CONVERTED, 2% OPEN, and 2.6% LAP. 3-year DFS for LAP and CONVERTED was superior to OPEN (p = 0.05), with comparable local recurrence (p = 0.07) and OS rates (0.43).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LAP and converted procedures have comparable or superior clinical and oncologic outcomes. More procedures should be approached through a LAP approach. If the procedure cannot be completed laparoscopically, outcomes are not compromised for converted patients.
authors: Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106-5047, USA, debby_keller@hotmail.com.
authors: Deborah S
authors: DS
authors: Keller
authors: Zhamak
authors: Z
authors: Khorgami
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Swendseid
authors: Bradley J
authors: BJ
authors: Champagne
authors: Harry L
authors: HL
authors: Reynolds
authors: Sharon L
authors: SL
authors: Stein
authors: Conor P
authors: CP
authors: Delaney
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002423:Cause of Death; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome