Outcome of Laparoscopic versus Open Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Since the first laparoscopic-assisted colon resection was introduced in 1991 by Jacobs et al., it has gradually become popular. Increasingly more colorectal surgeons admit that the laparoscopic technique leads to quicker functional recovery and improved short-term results when compared with the open approach. However, the laparoscopic technique has not previously been proven to gain significant benefits in colorectal surgeries. Recently, oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer resection, in terms of lymph node harvest number and excision safety margin lengths, achieved under laparoscopy could be comparable to those obtained using the conventional open technique. However, the curability of colorectal cancer under the laparoscopic technique remains controversial because of the uncertainty about the overall recurrence rate. Objective: To study the outcome of colorectal surgeries in our department in order to compare laparoscopic surgery (LS) versus open surgery (OS) of colorectal cancer procedures in terms of operations duration, blood loss, intra and post-operative complications. Methods: Review of all colorectal cancer patients who underwent open and laparoscopic procedures between January 2014 and January 2020. Excluding patients, those have non-malignant tumors. Included in data collection are the patients’ demographic information, type of surgery, diagnostic test, complications, operative time, and hospital admission period. We will take the information from files of patients and our documentations during clinic visits. Results: A total of 101 patients underwent colorectal cancer surgery at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital from 1/1/2014 till 1/1/2020. Of these, 63 were male (62.3%). Of these colon cancer 68 cases (67%). The mean age was 47.2 years. Comorbidities included diabetes 13 (12%), hypertension 10 (9.9%), IHD 16 (15%), ESRD 4 (3.9%). Of these 41 were smokers (40.5%). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 31.2 kg/m2. Mean hospital stay 7 ± 2 days for OS and 5 ± 2 for LS. Fifty nine patients (58.4%) underwent OS. 7 cases (6.9%) of LR had conversion. Conclusion: LS of colorectal cancer has better short-term results than OS but longer operative time.