Original researchComparison of laparoscopic versus open complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer

- This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 102 patients who had undergone right colon surgery.
- The results indicated that the safety and curative effect of laparoscopic CME paralleled those of open surgery, but the former had the advantage of minimal invasion.
- Laparoscopic CME is a safe, feasible, minimally invasive, effective procedure for right colon cancer.

AimTo explore the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and short-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colon cancer.MethodsThe clinical data from 102 patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic CME (n = 53; LS group) and open CME (n = 49; OS group) from June 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of the two groups were compared.ResultsThere were no conversions to open surgery in the LS group. The operative time in the LS group was similar to that in the OS group (194 ± 57 vs. 177 ± 51 min, respectively, p = 0.118). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the LS group compared with the OS group (94 ± 56 vs. 118 ± 60 ml, respectively, p = 0.039). There was no difference in the total number of harvested lymph nodes (14 ± 6 vs. 13 ± 5, respectively, p = 0.313). The time to resume liquid diet (3 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 2 d, p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (11 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 6 d, p = 0.002) were significantly shorter in the LS group. The rate of complications was similar between the groups (4% vs. 12%, respectively, p = 0.222). No recurrences were noted in either group during follow-up (range, 6-24 months).ConclusionLaparoscopic CME is a safe, feasible, and effective minimally invasive procedure for right colon cancer.