Evidence based medicine and surgical approaches for colon cancer: Evidences, benefits and limitations of the laparoscopic vs open resection

Figure 5 Left sided colectomies. A: Studies comparing left-side laparoscopy colectomy and open surgery. X in the table refers to a statistical association provided in the studies; B: Meta-analysis of the out-come measures; C: Forest plot graph regarding studies investigating morbidity rate. ¹Exclusively if patients > 75 years old. Lap: Laparoscopy; OS: Open surgery; M: Midline incision; T: transverse incision R: Randomized, CC: Case-control; FU: Mean follow-up; OT: Operative time; BF: Bowel function; OI: Oral intake; PP: Post-operative Pain; BL: Blood loss; HOSP: Hospital stay; LNH: Lymph node harvest; NS: Not significant.