BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Because definitive long-term results are not yet available, the oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for treatment of rectal cancer remains unproven. The aim of this prospective non-randomised study was to assess the feasibility and short-term outcome of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) after 25--30 Gy preoperative radiotherapy and to compare the results with a matched-control group of open TME (OTME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 41 patients with primary rectal cancer underwent LTME for rectal cancer and were matched with a historical control group of 41 patients who underwent OTME. Both groups received preoperative short-term radiotherapy. RESULTS: There was no mortality in the LTME group and 2% mortality in the OTME group. The overall postoperative morbidity was 37% in the LTME group and 51% in the OTME group, including an anastomotic leakage of 9 and 14% in the LTME and OTME groups respectively. A positive circumferential margin was found in 7% of patients in the LTME group and in 12% of the patients in the OTME group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that LTME is technically feasible and can be performed safely. We show at least a similar surgical completeness using a laparoscopic technique compared with open surgery.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Because definitive long-term results are not yet available, the oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for treatment of rectal cancer remains unproven. The aim of this prospective non-randomised study was to assess the feasibility and short-term outcome of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) after 25--30 Gy preoperative radiotherapy and to compare the results with a matched-control group of open TME (OTME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 41 patients with primary rectal cancer underwent LTME for rectal cancer and were matched with a historical control group of 41 patients who underwent OTME. Both groups received preoperative short-term radiotherapy. RESULTS: There was no mortality in the LTME group and 2% mortality in the OTME group. The overall postoperative morbidity was 37% in the LTME group and 51% in the OTME group, including an anastomotic leakage of 9 and 14% in the LTME and OTME groups respectively. A positive circumferential margin was found in 7% of patients in the LTME group and in 12% of the patients in the OTME group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that LTME is technically feasible and can be performed safely. We show at least a similar surgical completeness using a laparoscopic technique compared with open surgery.
Authors: E Kapiteijn; C A Marijnen; I D Nagtegaal; H Putter; W H Steup; T Wiggers; H J Rutten; L Pahlman; B Glimelius; J H van Krieken; J W Leer; C J van de Velde Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2001-08-30 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: C A Marijnen; I D Nagtegaal; E Klein Kranenbarg; J Hermans; C J van de Velde; J W Leer; J H van Krieken Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2001-04-01 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: M A Rodriguez-Bigas; S Maamoun; T K Weber; R B Penetrante; L E Blumenson; N J Petrelli Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 1996-03 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: S O Breukink; M F van Driel; J P E N Pierie; C Dobbins; T Wiggers; W J H J Meijerink Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis Date: 2008-08-15 Impact factor: 2.571