Laparoscopic Colectomy for Cancer: Why We Should Wait

ABSTRACT

The laparoscopic approach to benign diseases of the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and spleen has been embraced by the surgical and lay communities because of improved short-term outcomes when compared with open laparotomy. Laparoscopic colectomy for cancer has been scrutinized more carefully because of oncologic concerns and because of the lack of definitive evidence demonstrating functional benefit when compared with open colectomy. Until data from large prospective, randomized controlled trials are mature, we should wait to offer laparoscopic colectomy to our patients with potentially curable adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum.

Laparoscopy - cancer - colectomy

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