Laparoscopic Colectomy: Technical Considerations

Oh, Yu Gene; Im, Yeong Cheol; Choi, Dae Hwa; Cha, Hee Jeong

Abstract

PURPOSE
Laparoscopic colectomy is technically demanding. Here we share of experience with laparoscopic procedures with focusing on (1) preoperative localization by a colonoscopic tattoo and (2) comparing the laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (lapaTME) with the conventional TME (openTME) according to microscopic examination.
METHODS
We retrospectively collected 112 cases of laparoscopic colectomy that was performed for treating colorectal cancer during the past 6 years. Preoperative colonoscopic tattoo was done by using india ink. The tattoo cases were compared with the non-tattoo cases. Comparison between 13 cases of lapaTME and 15 cases of openTME was assessed by both gross and microscopic examination in the 28 cases for 9 months. The lapaTME and openTME were applied to mid-rectal cancer and mid&low rectal cancer, respectively.
RESULTS
Tattoo was carried out for the Tis (100%), T1 (92%), T2 (72%), T3 (36%) cases. Of the significant cases, T3 lesion was not identified at laparoscopic colectomy. LapaTME grossly showed a greater incidence of defect than that of openTME, but there was no difference microscopically between lapaTME and openTME.
CONCLUSION
A tattoo was useful for early lesion and it should be considered for advanced lesion. LapaTME for mid-rectal cancer can be done without compromising the principles of TME.