Conversion in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for right colon cancer: risk factors and clinical outcomes

Laparoscopic colon resection is technically challenging, and conversion to open surgery is sometimes unavoidable. The impact of conversion may vary among different types of colorectal resection and pathology. Our present study aims at evaluating the risk factors and clinical outcomes of conversion in laparoscopic resection for right colon cancer.

Between the periods April 1992 to July 2007, 183 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted right colon resection for carcinoma of colon were identified from our database. Data pertaining demographic information, operative details, postoperative course, complications, length of stay, 30-day mortality, and follow-up status were analyzed.

The overall conversion rate was 12% (22 patients). Stage IV disease, tumor length >5 cm, and surgery performed in an earlier time period (before year 2002) were independent risk factors for conversion. Although the median operative time was comparable (195 vs 180 min, p = 0.074), more blood loss was recorded among the conversion group (350 vs 20 ml, p < 0.001). Conversion was also associated with higher wound infection rate (27.3% vs 5%, p = 0.002) and 30-day mortality (9.1% vs 0.62%, p = 0.039). After potential curative resection, the 5-year overall survival rate of the conversion and no conversion group was 53.8% and 72.6%, respectively (p = 0.039).

Our results showed that conversion increased the intraoperative blood loss, wound related morbidities, and the 30-day mortality. Moreover, it had negative impact on overall survival.