Needlescopic surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery is standard for colorectal cancer.
• Continuous pursuit of more minimally invasive surgical options.
• Needlescopic surgery (NS) introduced in 2011.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the needlescopic surgery (NS) technique.
• Investigate the feasibility of NS for left-sided colorectal cancer surgery.

Main Methods:

• 105 patients with sigmoid colon and rectal cancer underwent NS.
• Utilized a 5-mm port and three 3-mm ports, with an umbilical 12-mm port for scope and specimen extraction.
• Standardized procedure for dissection, rectal transection, specimen extraction, and double-staple anastomosis.

Main Results:

• No conversion to open surgery; one port size adjustment.
• Mean operating time: 193 minutes; mean blood loss: 12 ml.
• 10 (9%) postoperative complications, including anastomotic leaks and hemorrhages; no mortality.

Conclusions:

• Needlescopic surgery (NS) is technically feasible for left-sided colorectal cancer.
• Oncological feasibility demonstrated in selected patient cohort.
• NS represents a viable minimally invasive option for colorectal cancer surgery.