[Parietal metastasis in laparoscopic surgery of colorectal carcinoma]

The role of videosurgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers is still controversial. However port-site metastases, reported with high rate (0.6-21%) have reduced the enthusiasm and still represent object of research. Port-site metastases pathophysiology is not yet clear. However in the last years the incidence is decreased at a percentage less than 2% and similar to that reported after traditional surgery (0.6-5.3%) due to a patient selection and a better videosurgical technique. Implant for direct contact, pneumoperitoneum, gas utilized, trocar positioning and relative tessutal trauma, visceral manipulation, frequent instrumental reintroduction represent the main pathophysiologic factors involved. Pneumoperitoneum produces an increase of the abdominal pressure with turbulent flows and the CO2 (stimulating of neoplastic cells growth?) transports neoplastic cells at the port site. However metastases occurs only when an elevate cellular concentration is present "gas less" videosurgery is not free from this complication but with a lower incidence. "Chimney effect", due to the leakage of gas or fluid containing aerosol neoplastic cells at port site, represents another important factor. In accord with such studies employing alternative gas (Helium) reduces the implant of neoplastic cells. Port site parietal trauma produces fibrin deposites that represents a substratum for cellular implant, growth and protection against immunitary host defense. Wound ischemia induces a macrophagic activity decrease. In view of these concepts the surgeon must respect some mandatory principles in the videosurgical approach to neoplastic diseases. Safety parietal trocar fixation avoiding gas or fluid port site leakage such as abdominal desuffling only through trocars in site are mandatory. Instrumental cleaning with cytoxic solution (Betadine)--neoplastic cells are isolated from instrumental lavage liquid--such as as irrigation and sterilization (5 FU) of porte site are very important rules. Wound incision--never too small--must be accurately sutured. During operation cutting through or handling tumor are contraindicated, especially when the neoplasm involves serosa. Surgical specimens must be extracted in bags absolutely through parietal protection system. High vascular ligature represents another technical rule to respect in every case like in traditional surgery.