ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic colectomy has been proven oncologically equivalent to conventional surgery
and is now generally agreed to offer patients a reduced length of stay, shorter recovery
times, and improved cosmesis. In contrast, acceptance of laparoscopic proctectomy
for rectal cancer has been much delayed and the enthusiasm of early studies has met
considerable skepticism. For rectal cancer, it has been demonstrated that there is
considerable variation between surgeons in disease-free survival and local pelvic
recurrence after open proctectomy for rectal cancer. These differences are likely
to be magnified when the technical challenge of laparoscopy is added to proctectomy.
Minimally invasive approaches to rectal cancer need to demonstrate equivalent oncologic
outcomes and maintenance or improvement in quality of life. This review will outline
the current evidence for laparoscopy as a treatment option for patients with rectal
cancer, emphasize the need for standardized approaches among multidisciplinary teams,
and highlight the technical details of different laparoscopic operations for rectal
cancer.
KEYWORDS
Laparoscopy - rectal cancer - techniques - approaches
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Conor P DelaneyM.D.
Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve
University
11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-5047
Email: conor.delaney@uhhs.com
