Simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal resection and pulmonary resection by minithoracotomy: report of four cases

The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer by laparoscopy and a pulmonary lesion through minithoracotomy. Four patients underwent laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer followed by pulmonary resection. The mean operative duration was 390 min and the mean blood loss was 133 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful. The indication for simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer by the laparoscopic approach and a pulmonary lesion is controversial. This method is safe and feasible in selected patients, but whether colorectal resection or pulmonary surgery is performed first should be determined on a case-by-case basis.