Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal neoplasms

Laparoscopy is being used to assist in an increasing number and variety of bowel procedures. However, when being used for neoplastic disease concerns of margins and adequacy of mesenteric dissection must be addressed. We've performed 110 laparoscopic-assisted bowel procedures, with 45 of these performed for neoplastic disease. Ninety-two bowel resections were performed including 24 subtotal, total, or proctocolectomies. In this chapter we review the results of our series, as well as other reported series, and discuss some of the controversies involved with laparoscopy for neoplastic disease.