[Laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction radical left colectomy]

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radical left colectomy is a standard procedure for colorectal cancer.
• Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce patient morbidity.
• Natural orifice specimen extraction offers potential advantages in reducing surgical trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction radical left colectomy.
• To assess the clinical efficacy and short-term outcomes of this novel surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted anal specimen extraction radical left colectomy.
• Utilized a self-developed surgical instrument (Cai tube).
• Data collected included clinicopathological information, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• No perioperative deaths or postoperative complications (e.g., anastomotic bleeding/leakage) were observed.
• Median operative time: 257 minutes; median blood loss: 50 ml.
• Median time to first flatus: 3 days; median hospital stay: 14 days.
• Patients reported good quality of life, normal defecation, and no tumor recurrence/metastasis at 1-8 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic-assisted anal specimen extraction radical left colectomy is a safe and feasible surgical option.
• This technique appears to provide good short-term oncological and functional outcomes.