Laparoscopic versus open total mesorectal excision: a case-control study

Background and aims: Because definitive long-term results are not yet available, the oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for treatment of rectal cancer remains unproven. The aim of this prospective non-randomised study was to assess the feasibility and short-term outcome of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) after 25-30 Gy preoperative radiotherapy and to compare the results with a matched-control group of open TME (OTME). Materials and methods: A series of 41 patients with primary rectal cancer underwent LTME for rectal cancer and were matched with a historical control group of 41 patients who underwent OTME. Both groups received preoperative short-term radiotherapy. Results: There was no mortality in the LTME group and 2% mortality in the OTME group. The overall postoperative morbidity was 37% in the LTME group and 51% in the OTME group, including an anastomotic leakage of 9 and 14% in the LTME and OTME groups respectively. A positive circumferential margin was found in 7% of patients in the LTME group and in 12% of the patients in the OTME group. Conclusion: This study shows that LTME is technically feasible and can be performed safely. We show at least a similar surgical completeness using a laparoscopic technique compared with open surgery.