[Abdominal wall metastasis following surgical removal of colorectal carcinomas]

Abdominal wall metastases after laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer have been reported by various authors. It appeared that abdominal wall metastases occur more frequently after laparoscopic than after conventional, open resection of colorectal cancer. However, the frequency of abdominal wall metastases after laparoscopic surgery varies from only 0 to 1.9% in centres with sufficient relevant experience, whereas after conventional resections the frequency is 0.8-3.3%. A randomized clinical study comparing laparoscopic with conventional resection of colon cancer is necessary to assess the optimal surgical approach to colon cancer. Such a trial has been set up.