Oncologic outcomes after resection of rectal cancer: Laparoscopic versus open approach

Background: This study examined outcomes of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery in a community hospital setting. Methods: A community health care system cancer registry was reviewed retrospectively (2004-2007) for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Primary end points were rates of recurrence and survival. Results: Both open and laparoscopic resection groups had similar demographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics. Most patients in the open resection and laparoscopic resection populations experienced no recurrence (79% vs 83%, respectively; P = .5). Overall, the groups had similar mean (88% vs 96%, respectively; P = .4) and disease-free (21 and 23 months, respectively; P = .5) survival. Conclusions: In a community hospital setting, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer was found to be as safe and effective as open resection in selected patients.