Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Approaches, Challenges and Outcome

Jacobs et al (1991) reported the first series of laparoscopic colonic resections in 20 patients. It took over a decade of debate and controversy to establish that laparoscopic colon surgery for cancer, when compared with open surgery, is associated with better short term outcomes while maintaining at least equivalent long-term outcomes (Lee, 2009). These improved short term outcomes include reduced postoperative pain, short hospital stay, decreased intraoperative blood loss, quicker return of gut function and faster return to normal activities (Lacey et al., 2002; Veldkamp et al. ; 2005, Guillou et al., 2005). However, the debate around laparoscopic rectal surgery is far from over.