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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 21, 2011; 17(7): 862-866
Published online Feb 21, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i7.862
Published online Feb 21, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i7.862
Minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer: Are we there yet?
Bradley J Champagne, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Rohit Makhija, Laparoscopic Colorectal Fellow, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Author contributions: Champagne BC wrote the paper, performed a literature search, analyzed data; Makhija R performed literature search and contributed to writing the paper.
Correspondence to: Bradley J Champagne, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States. brad.champagne@uhhospitals.org
Telephone: +1-216-5267221 Fax: +1-216-8445957
Received: September 26, 2010
Revised: December 16, 2010
Accepted: December 23, 2010
Published online: February 21, 2011
Revised: December 16, 2010
Accepted: December 23, 2010
Published online: February 21, 2011
Abstract
Laparoscopic colon surgery for select cancers is slowly evolving as the standard of care but minimally invasive approaches for rectal cancer have been viewed with significant skepticism. This procedure has been performed by select surgeons at specialized centers and concerns over local recurrence, sexual dysfunction and appropriate training measures have further hindered widespread acceptance. Data for laparoscopic rectal resection now supports its continued implementation and widespread usage by expeienced surgeons for select patients. The current controversies regarding technical approaches have created ambiguity amongst opinion leaders and are also addressed in this review.
Keywords: Laparoscopic; Rectal cancer; Minimally invasive; Mesorectal excision