Minimally Invasive Surgery for Colon Cancer: Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes since the Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Trial

Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the short-term recovery benefits of laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer while maintaining noninferior long-term oncologic outcomes relative to open surgery. These short- and long-term results have been validated in large observational trials with the widespread adoption of laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer. Subsequent advances in minimally invasive technique including robotic colectomy, intracorporeal anastomosis, and natural orifice extraction may preserve or augment the benefits of minimally invasive surgical treatment for colon cancer although data in these areas are less robust.