[Laparoscopic colon surgery]

We review our experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, with indications, technical aspects and results. Between 1992 and 31/12/2000, we performed 113 laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted colorectal operations. Of 79 malignant cases, 37 operations were oncologically radical and therapeutic, 42 were palliative. During the immediate postoperative period two deaths occurred (2.8%), the causes of death were not related to surgery. Port site metastasis developed in one patient (1.4%). Postoperative complications developed in 18 patients (14.5%). Only one patient required conversion to laparotomy. We emphasize the importance of hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, because it can increase the number of laparoscopic colorectal operations. Based on our results and experience, we recommend the routine use of laparoscopic technique in colorectal surgery.