Outcomes following laparoscopic rectal cancer resection by supervised trainees.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Evaluating the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for primary rectal cancer within a surgical training program.
• Assessing the applicability of minimally invasive techniques in a clinical training environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if supervised surgical trainees can effectively perform laparoscopic surgery for primary rectal cancer.
• To analyze the outcomes of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection in a training unit.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort analysis of 306 consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery for primary rectal cancer over 7 years.
• Intention-to-treat analysis of patient data, operative details, and short-term clinicopathological outcomes.
• Comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery, including trainee involvement.

Main Results:

• 97.7% of patients were suitable for laparoscopic surgery, with 95.1% undergoing the procedure (10.0% conversion rate).
• Trainees performed surgery in 72.4% of National Health Service patients.
• Median postoperative stay was 6 days, with a 4.9% positive circumferential resection margin rate.

Conclusions:

• Routine laparoscopic rectal cancer resection is achievable by supervised trainees.
• Laparoscopic surgery is applicable in a training unit for rectal cancer treatment.
• Training programs can successfully integrate minimally invasive techniques for rectal cancer surgery.