The case for minimally invasive surgery in colorectal cancer and the development of a program for such surgery.

摘要

Several large, randomized trials have shown that laparoscopic colon and rectal resections are safe, acceptable alternatives to open resections, with additional short-term benefits that include decreased pulmonary and gastrointestinal morbidity, improved pain control, fewer wound complications, and shorter hospital stays. Despite the accumulating evidence, more than 90% of all colorectal resections for cancer in the United States are still performed through a traditional open approach.