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Laparoscopic vs. Open Colectomy in Cancer Patients: Long-Term Complications, Quality of Life, and Survival

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate long-term complications, quality of life, and survival rate in a series of colorectal cancer patients randomized to laparoscopic or open surgery.

METHODS

A total of 391 patients with colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to laparoscopic (n = 190) or open (n = 201) resection. Long-term follow-up was performed every six months by office visits. Quality of life was assessed at 12, 24, and 48 months after surgery by a modified version of Short Form 36 Health Survey questionnaire. All patients were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Eight (4.2 percent) laparoscopic group patients needed conversion to open surgery. Overall long-term morbidity rate was 6.8 percent (13/190) in the laparoscopic vs. 14.9 percent (30/201) in the open group (P = 0.018). Overall quality of life was significantly better in the laparoscopic group in the first 12 months after surgery, whereas at 24 months, patients of the laparoscopic group reported a significant advantage only in social functioning. No difference was found in both overall and disease-free survival rates by comparing laparoscopic vs. open group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic colorectal resection was associated with a lower incidence of long-term complications and a better quality of life in the first 12 months after surgery compared with open surgery. No difference between groups was found in overall and disease-free survival rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy

    Marco Braga M.D., Matteo Frasson M.D., Andrea Vignali M.D., Walter Zuliani M.D., Vittorio Civelli M.D. & Valerio Di Carlo M.D.

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  1. Marco Braga M.D.
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  2. Matteo Frasson M.D.
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  3. Andrea Vignali M.D.
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  4. Walter Zuliani M.D.
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  5. Vittorio Civelli M.D.
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  6. Valerio Di Carlo M.D.
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Correspondence to Marco Braga M.D..

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Braga, M., Frasson, M., Vignali, A. et al. Laparoscopic vs. Open Colectomy in Cancer Patients: Long-Term Complications, Quality of Life, and Survival. Dis Colon Rectum 48, 2217–2223 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-005-0185-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-005-0185-7

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