Annals of Coloproctology

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Original Article
J Korean Soc Coloproctol. 2009;25(4):252-258.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/jksc.2009.25.4.252
Initial Experiences with a Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection: a Comparison of Short-term Outcomes for 50 Early Cases and 51 Late Cases.
Seon, Jang Won , Huh, Jung Wook , Cho, Sang Hyuk , Joo, Jae Kyoon , Kim, Hyeong Rok , Kim, Young Jin
1Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and Medical School, Hwasun, Korea. jwhuh@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the safety and the feasibility of laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed by a surgeon during a learning period. METHODS: Between April and December 2008, 101 consecutive patients with colorectal cancers underwent laparoscopic surgery by one colorectal surgeon who previously had no experience with laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Standard laparoscopy with a lymphadenectomy using a 5-port technique was performed according to the tumor location. The patients were divided into two chronological groups: 50 cases early in learning period (early cases) and 51 cases later in the learning period (late cases). RESULTS: The operations were 29 right hemicolectomies, 9 left hemicolectomies, 18 anterior resections, 35 low anterior resections, 6 intersphincteric resections, 2 abdominoperineal resections, and 2 Hartmann's operation. There were 7 conversions (6.9%). The median operating time was 205 (range, 95-385) min, and the median blood loss was 258 (50-800) mL. The median times to flatus per anus and to feeding of soft diet were 2 (1-5) and 4 (2-13) days, respectively. The median hospital stay was 9 (6-27) days. There were 21 postoperative complications, including 7 anastomotic complications (3 leakages, 3 abscesses, and 1 stenosis). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 20 (4-65). The operating time, blood loss, and complication rates were significantly decreased in the late group. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with laparoscopic colorectal surgery appears to have acceptable perioperative results and short-term oncologic outcomes, which improved with the experience of the surgeon.

Keywords :Colorectal cancer;Laparoscopic surgery;Learning curve

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