Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection for Low Rectal Cancer 4 Years Experience

Abstract

The use of laparoscopic techniques in treating colorectal malignancy is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is feasible. From Sep. 2000 to Aug. 2004, there were 26 lower rectal cancer patients who received an abdominoperineal resection procedure, 9 patients who received a laparoscopic procedure and 17 patients who received open procedures. Mean ages were 61 and 62 years for the laparoscopic and open procedures, respectively. Five cases of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and five cases of open abdominoperineal resection were males. Three complications occurred in the laparoscopic group and thirteen in the open group. Mean operative times were longer for the laparoscopic procedures (205 min for laparoscopic procedures vs. 185 min for open procedures; p＜0.05); mean blood loss (210 vs. 440 ml; p＜0.05), average bowel function return (2.1 vs. 4.6 days; P＜0.05), and hospital stay (11 vs. 14 days; P=not significant) were also evaluated. No mortality occurred. The mean follow-up period was 22 months, and one distant metastasis was found in the laparoscopic group, but one distant metastasis with local recurrence and three local recurrences occurred in the open group. We concluded that laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is feasible with its acceptable complications, oncological results, operative times, and cost.