Intraoperative colonoscopy in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A review of recent publications

Introduction Laparoscopic colorectal resection is becoming the gold standard for treating colorectal cancers because it offers superior short-term and comparable long-time outcomes compared to open surgery. Intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) is increasingly performed for tumor localization and mucosal assessment. The aim of this report was to review the safety and efficacy of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Method A MEDLINE search of studies of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. We focused on three aspects of IOC use: (i) IOC for intraoperative tumor localization; (ii) colonic irrigation and IOC for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancers; and (iii) IOC for assessing colorectal anastomosis. Results During laparoscopic colorectal surgery, IOC enables accurate localization of early mucosal tumors, detection of lesions in the proximal unexamined colon for obstructive left-sided cancer, and visual assessment of anastomosis. Additionally, IOC allows for proper surgical resection, management of concomitant lesions, immediate maintenance of hemostasis, suture repair of leaks, and the creation of a protective stoma as necessary. Conclusions Intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Experienced surgical endoscopists should be trained to safely perform IOC.