Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery

Colorectal cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer death in the USA and western Europe, with more than 34,000 new cases per year in the UK alone. Annual expenditure is in excess of pounds sterling 300 million, required for surgical, adjuvant and palliative treatment. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has yet to gain the widespread support observed with gallbladder surgery. Randomized controlled trials are ongoing, evaluating the short- and long-term risks and benefits of laparoscopic versus conventional open surgery. Although long-term results are awaited, there is evidence of short-term benefits and no obvious evidence of laparoscopic techniques conferring any additional harm in terms of tumor recurrence or disease-free survival. This review explores the likely benefits and areas of continued concern. Information resources provide a background to colorectal cancer for nonclinicians and new strategies and a 5-year view are presented.