What is the role of laparoscopic surgery for curable colon cancer?
- The role of laparoscopic surgery for curable colon cancer is now firmly established.
- The COST Study Group trial demonstrated that laparoscopic colectomy for curable cancer is not inferior to open surgery based on 5-year prospective outcome data.
- Several prospective studies have further shown that laparoscopic colon resection results in less use of narcotics and oral analgesics, quicker return of bowel function, and shorter length of stay.
- Although most colon resections are still done in an open fashion in the United States today, laparoscopic colon resection will continue to become more common as the present generation acquires this operative skill set in residency and fellowship.
