Needlescopic versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer ~a comparative study~

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment often involves surgical resection.
• Conventional multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPS) is a standard approach.
• Needlescopic surgery (NS) presents a minimally invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the surgical outcomes of Needlescopic surgery (NS) versus conventional multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPS) for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study comparing 138 patients undergoing NS with 130 patients who had MPS for curative CRC resection.
• Procedures involved a 3.5 cm umbilical incision for extraction and reconstruction in MPS.
• NS utilized needle forceps with 5 mm ports.

Main Results:

• Operative times were comparable between NS and MPS (p=0.467).
• NS demonstrated significantly reduced estimated blood loss (p=0.002) and shorter postoperative hospital stays (p<0.001).
• Lymph node dissection, mortality, and morbidity rates were similar between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Needlescopic surgery (NS) using Endo Relief needle forceps is a safe and feasible option for colorectal cancer (CRC) resection.
• NS provides comparable oncological outcomes to conventional MPS.
• NS may offer advantages in terms of reduced blood loss and faster recovery.