Laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure tumors

In this paper a single institution experience in laparoscopic treatment of splenic flexure tumors (SFT) is reported. Low incidence of these tumors and complexity of the procedure make the laparoscopic resection not diffuse and not well standardized. Since 2004, in a specific database, we prospectively record clinicopathological features and outcome of all patients submitted to laparoscopic colorectal resection. From January 2004 to October 2015, out of 567 cases of minimally invasive colorectal procedures, we performed 20 laparoscopic resection of SFT, 11 with extracorporeal anastomosis and 9 totally laparoscopic. Twelve patients had an advanced disease. Conversion rate was null. The mean operative time was 105' (range 70'-135'). Comparing extracorporeal and intracorporeal anastomoses, we did not find any significant difference in mean duration of surgery. Mean distal margin was 9.4 ± 3.1 cm (mean ± DS), mean proximal margin 8.9 ± 2.7 cm. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.8 ± 5.6. Evaluating surgical short-term and oncological mid-term outcomes, laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure for tumors, even if challenging, resulted technically feasible and oncologically safe and it seems to be advisable.