Oncologic surgery: the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive surgery

For the last 15 years, the minimalized traumatization of laparoscopic surgical procedures has changed the treatment of numerous diseases. As a result, the method has also become an interesting therapeutic alternative for oncological indications, too. Nevertheless, its use in the special field of oncology, in particular when applied in curative intent, continues to give rise to controversial discussion. This paper takes a look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of the laparoscopic modality with regard to immune function and staging laparoscopy. In view of the fact that, at the present time, curative resections are being carried out in relevant numbers, in particular in the field of colorectal surgery, the technical feasibility, oncological radicality and oncological long-term outcomes are discussed on the basis of the data reported in the relevant literature on laparoscopic colorectal surgery.