| Theme |
What endoscopists should know about laparoscopy-assisted colectomy |
| Title |
Laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer -- recent advances in Japan |
| Author |
Fumio Konishi |
Department of Surgery, Omiya Medical Center, Jichi Medical School |
| Author |
Yutaka Kawamura |
Department of Surgery, Omiya Medical Center, Jichi Medical School |
| Author |
Masaki Okada |
Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer has advantages such as small surgical wounds, decreased invasiveness and rapid postoperative recovery. On the other hand, this procedure is technically difficult and a sufficient training period is needed before a surgeon is able to carry out this procedure. The long term outcome is as yet undetermined, which is another reason why this procedure is not widely practiced. Since this technique began to be used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, its indications have changed from those of early stage colorectal cancer to more advanced stage tumors. Techniques for D3 lymphnode dissection have been developed and have become routine procedures in major institutions that specialize in this technique. The long-term outcome should be analyzed to confirm that this technique is appropriate as a method for surgical treatment of colorectal carcinoma in both early and advanced stages. |