Laparoscopic resection of synchronous colorectal cancers in separate specimens

Laparoscopic approaches are increasingly being used in patients with colorectal cancer, but the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of synchronous colorectal cancers in separate specimens remains unknown. In such cases, it is necessary to consider the site of port placement, sequence of dissection, choice of specimen extraction sites, specimen handling, and extracorporeal anastomosis sites. Moreover, the need for complete mesenteric dissection in two areas, removal of two separate specimens containing malignancies, and two anastomoses elicit unique questions related to technical considerations. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of two separate specimens containing malignancies for multiple synchronous colorectal cancers.

Between June 2001 and January 2013, 1341 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery at our institution. Of them, 11 patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted combined resection of two separate colorectal specimens for multiple synchronous primary colorectal cancers. We retrospectively reviewed their surgical outcomes.

All procedures were completed laparoscopically without perioperative mortality. Patients underwent right-sided colon resection for right-sided cancer and left-sided or rectal resection for left-sided colon or rectal cancer. The median duration of surgery was 296 min, and the median blood loss was 65 mL. Median time to first postoperative liquid and solid intake was 1 day and 3 days, respectively. Most patients were discharged on postoperative day 8. With regard to postoperative complications, two patients had a surgical-site infection.

Laparoscopic resection of two separate colorectal specimens for multiple synchronous primary colorectal cancers is a feasible and safe procedure.