[Laparoscopic versus open intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: a clinical comparative study]

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Low rectal cancer treatment often requires complex surgical procedures.
• Intersphincteric resection is a technique used for cancers located near the anal sphincter.
• Minimally invasive approaches are increasingly explored to improve surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic versus open intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection.
• To assess postoperative recovery and complication rates between surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of patients with low rectal cancer.
• Inclusion of patients undergoing either laparoscopic (n=27) or open (n=41) intersphincteric resection from January 2007 to January 2010.
• Comparison of operative procedures, postoperative complications, anal function, and clinicopathological data.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic resection showed significantly less blood loss (150.5 vs. 258.4 ml) and faster bowel function recovery (2.9 vs. 3.6 days).
• The laparoscopic group experienced shorter hospital stays (7.7 vs. 9.1 days) and diet resumption (6.6 vs. 7.5 days).
• Postoperative complication rates (18.5% vs. 19.5%) and oncological outcomes (lymph nodes, margins, recurrence) were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection is as effective as open surgery for low rectal cancer.
• The laparoscopic approach offers benefits including reduced blood loss, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays.
• Oncological results and postoperative morbidity are similar, supporting the use of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection.