[Laparoscopic colectomy. Techniques and indications]

Standard techniques for laparoscopic colectomy are currently well defined and are described here. Details are provided concerning facilities, equipment, and operative procedures for resection of the rectum, the left and right colons and total colectomy. Questions of indications are carefully addressed. Laparoscopic colectomy is an excellent indication for benign inflammatory as well as tumoral diseases. Inversely, there is some discussion concerning indications in colorectal cancer due to the risk of trocar tract metastasis. Based on data in the literature, the results of laparoscopic colectomy are analyzed together with the advantages of this technique in terms of mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization stay in comparison with conventional surgery.