[Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer]

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is not always accepted in the surgical community. However, there are now sufficient data available to recommend laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery. The morbidity following laparoscopic surgery is not higher than after conventional surgery, it may even be lower. Postoperative mortality appears to be similar. The conversion rate depends on the learning curve and indications to perform laparoscopic surgery and may even be 35%. After laparoscopic surgery, there is better lung function, less pain, shorter period of ileus and less immunosuppression. The major disadvantages are longer operative time and higher costs. Long-term results are not available yet. But it seems that the recurrence rate is not higher. The incidence and pathogenesis of trocar site metastases are unknown. Surgcial concepts to avoid these sequelae are not established. Long-term results have to be available from prospective-randomized trials before laparoscopic surgery can be recommended for malignancies.