Controversies in laparoscopy for colon and rectal cancer

There is sufficient level I evidence to support and even recommend laparoscopy as the surgical modality of choice for colon cancer resection. Laparoscopy offers improved short-term outcomes and at least equivalent long-term oncologic outcomes when compared with open resection. Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery remains investigational. Short-term results from a large multinational randomized trial suggest that laparoscopy is not inferior to open total mesorectal excision with regard to completeness of resection and short-term morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to await the long-term oncologic results of current studies before embracing laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer.