[Current status on laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer]

The current status of laparoscopic surgery and its indications for colorectal cancer are described. According to multi-institutional registry by the Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgeons, the number of laparoscopic surgeries for advanced colorectal cancer has been increasing during the last couple years. The short- and long-term results of laparoscopic surgery for pT1 or pT2 colon cancer are favourable, and laparoscopic surgery could be a standard procedure for such cases. However, the indications for pT3/T4 cancer remain controversial due to limited length of follow-up. A multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing open with laparoscopic surgery for advanced (T3/T4) cancer is to start in autumn this year. Laparoscopic surgery for such cases should be confined to trial cases. Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is feasible; however, it is associated with higher anastomotic leak rates. Issues on education and medical costs need to be resolved.