Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma: an overnight victory?

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery became popular in the early 1990s. Cholecystectomy was the first ‘victim’ conquered by the new technique and laparoscopic cholecystectomy became the gold standard operation for gallbladder stones. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery was then attempted, for both benign and malignant disorders. After a short period of enthusiasm, alarming reports were published on laparoscopic surgery for malignant disease. The occurrence of so called ‘port-site’ metastases (PSM) led to a reduction in the use of the minimal invasive technique. In addition, the duration of the operations was criticised, as well as the limited beneficial effects (if any) and the possible violation of oncological surgical principles. The pros and cons of this new technique during its introduction are discussed, with focus on problem areas such as port-site metastases, surgical learning curve as well as beneficial effects. The current status of several comparative studies evaluating the laparoscopic technique is discussed leading to the conclusion that a basis for further research exists and therefore cautious progress is warranted.