Jennefer A Kieran1, Myriam J Curet. 1. Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. mcuret@stanford.edu
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic colon resection for cancer is as yet an unproven operation. This review article summarizes current data on the topic. METHODS: A Medline review identified articles published since 1990 summarizing patients with potentially curable colon cancer who underwent a laparoscopic-assisted colon resection. Only articles that were randomized or had a control group with historical or matched open cases were used. RESULTS: Very few prospective randomized controls exist. Several clinical trials are under way with one completed. Data thus far support some patient benefits with a laparoscopic approach. No differences in morbidity, oncologic data, or survival appear to exist. CONCLUSIONS: The results of ongoing clinical trials are still needed to further evaluate the role of laparoscopic assisted colon resection in patients with potentially curable colon cancer.
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic colon resection for cancer is as yet an unproven operation. This review article summarizes current data on the topic. METHODS: A Medline review identified articles published since 1990 summarizing patients with potentially curable colon cancer who underwent a laparoscopic-assisted colon resection. Only articles that were randomized or had a control group with historical or matched open cases were used. RESULTS: Very few prospective randomized controls exist. Several clinical trials are under way with one completed. Data thus far support some patient benefits with a laparoscopic approach. No differences in morbidity, oncologic data, or survival appear to exist. CONCLUSIONS: The results of ongoing clinical trials are still needed to further evaluate the role of laparoscopic assisted colon resection in patients with potentially curable colon cancer.