Impact of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer

INTRODUCTION This study specifically examined right colonic cancer resection, a common operation for colorectal surgeons starting laparoscopic resection, to assess the impact of commencing laparoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 56 patients undergoing open (n = 34) and attempted laparoscopic (n = 22) elective right hemicolectomy for colorectal cancer between November 2003 and March 2007 were compared. Postoperative stay was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included analgesic requirements, bowel recovery, morbidity and mortality. Frequency of laparoscopic versus open surgery over time was also examined. RESULTS Resections attempted laparoscopically increased from 9.1% to 75% in the first and last quarters of the study period, respectively (P=0.0002). Uptake of 'enhanced recovery' was mainly in the laparoscopic group. Conversion was required in two of 22 patients. Attempted laparoscopic cases had a shorter median postoperative stay (6 vs 10 days; P<0.0001), duration of parenteral or epidural analgesia (48 vs 72 h; P<0.0001) and time to first bowel action (3 vs 4 days; P=0.001) compared with open cases. Demography, tumour characteristics, morbidity and mortality were comparable between groups. Multivariate analysis identified decreased age, attempted laparoscopic surgery, use of enhanced recovery and absence of complications as independently shortening postoperative stay. CONCLUSIONS Advantages of laparoscopic surgery and enhanced recovery, even early in a surgeon's experience, suggest this is the preferred mode for elective right colon cancer resection.