Use and Outcomes of Laparoscopic-Assisted Colectomy for Cancer in the United States

Abstract

Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.¹ Most patients present with localized disease and are eligible to undergo resection. In 1991, laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) was first reported^2,3; however, there were concerns regarding the oncologic appropriateness of LAC for malignancy, specifically with regard to port-site metastases, adequacy of resection margins, and the extent of lymphadenectomy.⁴ In addition, the technical complexity of LAC could result in increased morbidity and mortality as a result of iatrogenic injuries, anastomotic complications, bleeding, and longer operative times.⁵ Moreover, it was uncertain whether there would be a long-term survival difference.