Laparoscopic colectomy for malignancy

It is clear from published series that laparoscopic colectomy for cancer can be performed safely by experienced surgeons, but there is a considerable learning curve for the procedure. Although surgeons have shown that an equivalent resection can be performed, it is not clear yet that this translates into equivalent recurrence and survival rates. Most of the expected benefits of minimal access surgery are being provided by laparoscopic colectomy, although these benefits have not been as readily achievable as those seen with other procedures. Even the early results of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer are encouraging, although the fate of this procedure rests with the long-term analysis of a number of trials currently underway. Laparoscopic techniques are continuing to evolve and improve secondary not only to technological breakthroughs but also advances in basic science and clinical research. This article provides technical descriptions to illustrate key concepts in laparoscopic resection of the right colon and rectosigmoid for cancer and reviews the results of recent prospective randomized trials.