| Abstract: | Background This study compared the short-term outcomes, including the complication rate and minimum surgical invasiveness, between patients with colon and rectal carcinomas, who underwent laparoscopic surgery.Methods A review evaluated 151 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy (Lap-colectomy; n = 120) and laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap-LAR; n = 31) between July 2001 and December 2003. The short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results The mean operative time and blood loss were significantly greater in the Lap-LAR group. However, the complication rates and postoperative course between the two approaches were similar, and no anastomotic leakage was observed. There was no significant difference in the serum C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count between the two groups in the early postoperative period.Conclusions Lap-LAR for rectal carcinoma can be performed safely without increased morbidity or mortality, and its short-term benefits are comparable with those conferred by Lap-colectomy. |
