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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2017; 30(02): 104-111
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597316
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Laparoscopy for Rectal Cancer

Chady Atallah
1   Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Jonathan E. Efron
1   Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 April 2017 (online)

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Abstract

It is evident that the use of laparoscopy in the management of rectal cancer has gained popularity in the last few years. It is still, however, not widely accepted as the standard of care. Multiple randomized trials have shown that short-term outcomes and perioperative morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic proctectomy are equivalent to open surgery. However, data regarding long-term oncologic outcomes are still scarce, with only a few randomized trials reporting similar outcomes in both laparoscopic and open group. A more recent trial failed to replicate those results in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. In this article, we will look at the most recent evidence regarding the use of laparoscopy for patients with rectal cancer. We will also briefly discuss the different approaches and new minimally invasive techniques used in this field, and we will talk about the challenges facing the widespread adoption of laparoscopic surgery in the management of rectal cancer.

Keywords

laparoscopy - proctectomy - techniques - rectal cancer - oncologic outcomes
 

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