title: Laparoscopic rectal resection versus conventional open approach for rectal cancer - a 4-year experience of a single center.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was carried out to compare the therapeutic outcomes and complications of the laparoscopic and the conventional open surgery technique used for treating rectal cancer. Another goal was to find the fastest and most accurate method of treatment for rectal cancer, along with establishing the advantages and disadvantages of the two surgical techniques, depending on cancer location and its stage.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 172 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and hospitalized in the Department of Surgery III between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2011 were studied. The laparoscopic approach was performed on 29 (16.8%) patients, and the remaining 143 (83.2%) underwent the conventional Miles/Lloyd-Davies abdominoperineal resection. A longitudinal study was conducted on patients with rectal resection, the used data being obtained from the database of the Department of Surgery III, hospital records, protocols and clinical charts of rectal cancer cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences regarding symptoms, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), tumor site, TNM stage, intraoperative accidents, operative time, and postoperative mortality between the two groups. The laparoscopic group presented advantages regarding antibiotic and analgesic therapy, early mobilization, hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, resuming oral nutrition, bowel transit resumption, postoperative complications and wound complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer is feasible, safe and effective. It can be safely performed by an experienced team, reducing the rate of postoperative complications, the need for blood transfusions, the adminstration of antibiotics and painkillers, allowing faster bowel transit resumption, shortening hospital stay and providing superior aesthetic results.
authors: Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology "Octavian Fodor", Cluj-Napoca, and University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors: Florin
authors: F
authors: Zaharie
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Ciorogar
authors: Roxana
authors: R
authors: Zaharie
authors: Teodora
authors: T
authors: Mocan
authors: Claudiu
authors: C
authors: Zdrehus
authors: Lucian
authors: L
authors: Mocan
authors: Ioana
authors: I
authors: Berindan-Neagoe
authors: Patriciu
authors: P
authors: Achimas
authors: Cornel
authors: C
authors: Iancu
authors: Claudiu
authors: C
authors: Tomus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*