Randomized trial of health-related quality of life after open and laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported improved or unchanged three-year survival following laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) for colon cancer compared with that following open resection (OCR). The aim of this study was to determine healthrelated quality of life (HRQL) in patients randomized to laparoscopic or open resection for colon cancer. Methods: In total, 285 patients (130 LCR, 155 OCR) from seven Swedish centers were included. HRQL was assessed preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively with the EQ-513 and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Results: The LCR patients did significantly better on the social function component of the EORTC QLQ-C30 at two and four weeks and on the role function component at two weeks. Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection for colon cancer improved quality of life during the first postoperative month.