Laparoscopic colon resection

Laparoscopic colectomy is a technically difficult operation requiring advanced laparoscopic skills and a skilled surgical team. There is a significant learning curve for the procedure, and conversion to open colectomy has been necessary in about 25% of cases in carefully selected series. The procedure is appropriate for the treatment of benign colonic disease and as a palliative approach for unresectable carcinoma. Concern about trocar site tumor recurrences has led to the general consensus that the procedure should currently be performed only in a prospective investigational protocol setting for the treatment of curable colorectal carcinoma. Data suggest that laparoscopic colectomy can be performed with lower or comparable morbidity and mortality rates, is associated with less postoperative pain and a shorter length of hospitalization, and has the potential for slightly more rapid recovery of gastrointestinal function than open colectomy.