Laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma - State of the art and perspectives

Laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma with a curative intent continues to play only a limited role in the everyday surgical setting, as has repeatedly been confirmed by the 'Quality Control Study Colorectal Carcinoma'. Nevertheless, a number of prospective randomized comparative studies have since been published, showing that the oncological results achieved with open and laparoscopic resection are comparable. Apart from the tumor stage, recurrence-free survival in such cases depends on the experience and conscientiousness of the individual surgeon, and is independent of the surgical modality, provided that accepted standards are complied with. The patient profits from the general advantages of the laparoscopic approach in the immediate postoperative phase.