Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic vs laparotomic radical colectomy for transverse colon cancer

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic radical colectomy for transverse colon cancer and evaluate its safety and feasibility. Methods From July 2012 to January 2015, 109 patients underwent laparoscopic or open radical colectomy for transverse colon cancer in the Department of General Surgery of Chinese PLA General Hospital. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic surgery and 64 patients underwent open surgery. Perioperative indicators and clinical efficacy were compared between two groups. Results The operating time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group compared with open group (170.5 min vs 145 min, P< 0.001). The blood loss during the operation was lower in the laparoscopic group (80 ml vs 110 ml, P< 0.05). Regarding postoperative outcomes, time to first oral intake, time to bowel function recovery, and the postoperative hospital stay were shorter in the laparoscopic group (P< 0.05, respectively). There was no significantly difference in the number of resected lymph nodes and complication rates between two groups. Conclusion Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer is associated with equivalent survival outcomes and better short-term outcomes including less blood loss and faster bowel recovery. Therefore, laparoscopic surgery is a safety and feasible approach for transverse colon cancer.