Comparison study of laparoscopic vs open left hemicolectomy for descending colon cancer

Abstract

Objective To evaluate short-time outcomes of laparoscopic (LAP) surgery vs open surgery (OS) for descending colon cancer. Methods Clinical data of 72 patients who received LAP or OS left hemicolectomy in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were collected and analyzed. These patients were divided into LAP group (n=38) and OS group (n=34). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and short-time outcomes were compared between two groups. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and complication rate between two groups. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the LAP group than in the OS group (88.16±65.18 ml vs 132.35±82.46 ml, P<0.05). The mean postoperative exsufflation time and hospital stay time were shorter in the LAP group than in the OS group (P<0.05). Conclusions LAP for descending colon cancer is a technically safe and feasible procedure. Compared to OS, LAP has advantages including less intraoperative blood loss, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Laparoscopes; Surgical procedures, operative