Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2003; 16(4): 225-232
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815612
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Laparoscopic Colectomy for Cancer: The Time Is Now

Pavlos Papasavas1 , Philip Caushaj2
  • 1Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Clinical Campus of Temple University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Department of Surgery, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Clinical Campus of Temple University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 January 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The introduction of laparoscopy for the treatment of colorectal cancer initiated considerable controversy regarding its oncologic appropriateness. Prospective randomized trials were initiated to systematically compare laparoscopic with open techniques. Over a decade later there appears to be abundant evidence indicating that laparoscopic surgery is at least as safe and oncologically sound for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma as are open techniques. Moreover, in addition to the benefits associated with a minimally access technique, laparoscopic colectomy may confer a disease-free survival benefit to a subgroup of patients with colon cancer.

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