Laparoscopic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis for colon carcinoma located in the splenic flexure

Treatment of splenic flexure (SF) colon cancer is not standardized. A laparoscopic approach is considered a challenging procedure. This review examines a single-institution experience with laparoscopic colon resection for cancer of the SF. Intraoperative, pathologic, and postoperative data of patients who underwent laparoscopic SF resection were reviewed to assess for oncologic safety as well as early- and medium-term outcomes. Between September 2004 and January 2009, laparoscopic SF resection was performed for 15 patients with SF. Two cases of conversion were reported, and for three patients, colonic resection was robot assisted. In all cases, the anastomosis was completed intracorporeally. The distal margin was 3.8 +/- A 2.5 cm, and the proximal margin was 7.8 +/- A 3.7 cm from the tumor site. The mean number of harvested nodes was 9.2 +/- A 5.3. The mean operative time was 183.6 +/- A 45 min, and the blood loss was 98 +/- A 33 ml. No major morbidity was recorded. Laparoscopic partial resection seems to be feasible and safe for the treatment of early-stage and locally advanced SF cancer.