A personal view on laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery

Benefits such as reduced morbidity and shorter length of stay have been demonstrated for laparoscopic colon cancer resection, Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery is thought to be more challenging and it is not clear if it offers the same benefits. There are concerns about oncological outcome and anastomotic technique and complications. In this review we discuss the difficulties and challenges of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery within the context of our own personal experience and with regard to some of the current literature. We propose that laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery both have a role and the challenge is selection of appropriate patients for each technique.