| Theme |
Treatment of early rectal cancer -- Local excision vs. endoscopic resection |
| Title |
Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery |
| Author |
Kazuhiko Hatate |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yukihito Kokuba |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takeo Sato |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Heita Ozawa |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hiroshi Kumamoto |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takatoshi Nakamura |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Wataru Onozato |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Atsushi Ihara |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Masahiko Watanabe |
Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer was first developed in 1991, only four years after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic colectomy results in decreased postoperative pain, faster ileus resolution, shorter hospital stays, improved cosmesis, and decreased morbidity compared to open colectomies. Laparoscopic resection for colon cancer is gaining acceptance in light of the recent evidence concerning results seen in randomized controlled trials. The laparopscopic approach to rectal cancer is still a controversial procedure. Current literature on laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is limited and is composed of only case and nonrandomized comparative studies. The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) remains to be proven. The magnified views obtained deep in the pelvis, with laparoscopy, may facilitate accurate TME and vegetative nerve protection. The results of more long term data on recurrence and survival rates, five years after laparoscopic rectal surgery, are eagerly awaited from large scale randomized controlled trials. This will ultimately determine the suitability of laparoscopic surgery as the primary treatment for rectal cancer. The short and long term outcomes of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery depend on the ability and experience of the teams treating patients. |