[Influence of laparoscopic or conventional colorectal resection on postoperative quality of life]

In a prospective randomised study the influence of the operative technique on postoperative quality of life was evaluated in 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic (n = 30) or conventional (n = 30) resection of colorectal tumors. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core 30 Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) before surgery as well as 1 week, 4 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Age, sex, sociological parameters, tumor characteristics and type of resection were comparable in both groups. There were no significant differences in preoperative global quality of life, the functional aspects of quality of life and the severity of disease related symptoms. The global quality of life was significantly better in the laparoscopic group compared to the conventional group 1 week and 4 weeks after surgery (p = 0.05). Physical and emotional function were more impaired 1 week after conventional compared to laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.05). Pain, dyspnea and loss of appetite were more severe 1 week after conventional than laparoscopic surgery (each p < 0.05). There were no differences in quality of life in the further postoperative course. Laparoscopic resection of colorectal tumor is related with a better short-term quality of life than conventional resection, but a longer lasting effect of the laparoscopic technique on quality of life could not be detected with the EORTC-QLQ-C30.