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Laparoscopic Resection (laparoscopic + resection)

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Selected Abstracts

HP10 LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF SUBMUCOSAL GASTRIC LESIONS , THE WHANGAREI EXPERIENCE

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2007
J. Y. Yang
Purpose To evaluate safety of laparoscopic resection of submucosal gastric lesions performed in Whangarei Based Hospital. Methodology From November 2002 to December 2006, 8 consecutive patients underwent the above mention surgery. (M : F = 5 : 3; Average age 63 [range, 43,83]). All patients underwent pre-operative gastroscopy. Wedge resections were performed for anterior wall lesions. (n = 3). Posterior wall lesions were resected via transgastric approach. (n = 4). Retroperitoneal resection was performed for the foregut duplication cyst. (n = 1). All except one lesion were resected using endoscopic GIA stapler. The medical records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results All patients were successfully treated laparoscopically. No conversion to open surgery. Pathology included: Gastrointestinal-stromal tumor (GIST) (n = 5), Malignant leiomyosarcoma (n = 1), Ectopic pancreas (n = 1), and Foregut duplication cysts (n = 1). All achieved adequate negative surgical margin. Average operation time was 106.14 minutes. [Range, 75,150]. Average length of hospital stay was 3.42 days [range, 1,5]. Complication included one wound infection, and one pyloric stenosis. Average length of follow up was 10.96 months [range, 0.46,31.73]. No recurrence detected and all are still alive till date. Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of submucosal gastric lesions is a safe and appropriate alternative to open surgery. Its main advantage over open technique includes shorter length of hospital stay, lower recurrence rate and lower mortality rates. Surgical technique depends very much on tumor size and location. Outcome of the patients described from our centre is comparable to the others published till date. [source]

Novel approach to laparoscopic resection of tumours of the distal pancreas

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2009
Soumen Das De
Abstract Background:, Laparoscopic resection for small lesions of the pancreas has recently gained popularity. We report our initial experience with a new approach to laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy so that the maximum amount of normal pancreas can be preserved while ensuring adequate resection margins and preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels. Methods:, Three patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen and splenic vessel preservation over a 2-month period. Surgical techniques and patient outcomes were examined. Results:, All three patients were females, with ages ranging from 31 to 47 years. Two patients underwent resection using the conventional medial-to-lateral dissection as the lesion was close to the body or proximal tail of the pancreas. The third patient had a lesion in the distal tail of the pancreas and surgery was carried out in a lateral-to-medial manner. This new approach minimized excessive sacrifice of normal pancreatic tissue for such distally located lesions. The splenic artery and vein were preserved in all cases and there was no significant difference in clinical outcome, operative time or intraoperative blood loss. Conclusion:, Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels is a feasible surgical technique with acceptable outcome. We have shown that a tailored approach to dissection and pancreatic transection based on the location of the lesion allows the maximum amount of normal pancreatic tissue to be preserved without additional morbidity. Although the conventional ,medial-to-lateral' approach is recommended for more proximal tumours of the pancreas, distal lesions can be safely addressed using the ,lateral-to-medial' approach. [source]

HP10 LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF SUBMUCOSAL GASTRIC LESIONS , THE WHANGAREI EXPERIENCE

Laparoscopic resection of extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the transverse mesocolon

ASIAN JOURNAL OF ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2010
N Asakage
Abstract The patient was a 58-year-old man. A recent complete work-up was done to find the cause of epigastric pain and revealed a nodule about 4 cm in diameter in the upper right abdomen on CT scans. Laparoscopic resection was performed to allow for a definitive diagnosis to be made and to treat the lesion. The tumor was located in the transverse mesocolon, and there was no communication between the lesion and the ascending or transverse colon. Spindle-shaped tumor cells were arranged in palisades. The number of mitotic figures was only 1/50 HPF. The tumor was weakly positive for KIT and negative for CD34. From these findings, a diagnosis of extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor originating in the transverse mesocolon was made. [source]

Laparoscopic resection with transcolonic specimen extraction for ileocaecal Crohn's disease,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 4 2010
E. J. Eshuis
Background: Ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease can be performed entirely laparoscopically. However, an incision is needed for specimen extraction. This prospective observational study assessed the feasibility of endoscopic transcolonic specimen removal. Methods: Endoscopic specimen removal was attempted in a consecutive series of ten patients scheduled for laparoscopic ileocolic resection. Primary outcomes were feasibility, operating time, reoperation rate, pain scores, morphine requirement and hospital stay. To assess applicability, outcomes were compared with previous data from patients who had laparoscopically assisted operations. Results: Transcolonic removal was successful in eight of ten patients; it was considered not feasible in two patients because the inflammatory mass was too large (7,8 cm). Median operating time was 208 min and median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. After surgery two patients developed an intra-abdominal abscess, drained laparoscopically or percutaneously, and one patient had another site-specific infection. The operation took longer than conventional laparoscopy, with no benefits perceived by patients in terms of cosmesis or body image. Conclusion: Transcolonic removal of the specimen in ileocolic Crohn's disease is feasible in the absence of a large inflammatory mass but infection may be a problem. It is unclear whether the technique offers benefit compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer: are we there yet?

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 1 2009
R. Bergamaschi
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Laparoscopic resection of diverticular fistulae: a 10-year experience

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 7 2007
A. H. Engledow
Abstract Objective, Until recently the laparoscopic approach was reserved for uncomplicated diverticular disease. We show that fistulating diverticular disease can be resected safely, with good clinical outcome via a laparoscopic approach. Method, Between April 1994 and May 2005, 31 consecutive patients [17 male, median age of 63 years (range 40,85)], underwent attempted laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae. Patient data were prospectively recorded. Results, There were 22 colovesical and nine colovaginal fistulae. The median operative time was 150 min (range 60,310) and the median postoperative stay was 7 days (range 3,21). Conversion to an open procedure was required in nine of 31 patients (29%). This rate fell to 10% in cases performed after April 2000. There were two nonsurgically related postoperative deaths. Both occurred in the converted group. At 3 months follow-up, two patients complained of frequency of stools, which settled by 6 months. To date there has been no recurrence of symptomatic diverticulosis or fistulation. Conclusion, Totally laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae is safe and feasible. Fistulae should not be considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic resection for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. [source]

Open versus laparoscopic resection for liver tumours

HPB, Issue 6 2009
Thomas Van Gulik
Abstract Background:, The issue under debate is whether laparoscopic liver resections for malignant tumours produce outcomes which are comparable with conventional, open liver resections. Methods:, Literature review on liver resection and laparoscopy. Results:, There are no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published that provide any evidence for the benefits of laparoscopic liver resections for liver tumours. In case,control series reporting short-term outcomes, laparoscopic liver resection has been shown to have the advantage of a reduced length of hospital stay. There are as yet, however, no adequate long-term survival studies demonstrating that laparoscopic liver resection is oncologically equivalent to open resection. Discussion:, The challenge for the near future is to test the oncological integrity of laparoscopic liver resection in controlled trials in the same way that we have learned from the RCTs carried out in laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. It is likely that laparoscopic liver resection will then have to compete with fast-track, open liver resection. Already, concerns have been raised regarding the learning curve required to master the techniques of laparoscopic liver resection. [source]

BT05 MODERN MANAGEMENT OF COLONIC DIVERTICULITIS IN THE OBESE

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2009
S. White
Colonic diverticulitis is a dietary disorder of the ageing Western population associated with a low intake of oral fibre. Symptoms develop in only 10% of patients and overall only 1% of patients experience a complication. CT scan is the investigation of choice, although CT fails to predict clinical outcomes in many cases. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is reliably managed by antibiotics in the great majority of cases. So much so that enthusiasm for elective surgical resection after two documented attacks is waning, particularly in the high risk patient i.e. obese. Complicated diverticulitis (abscess, peritonitis, fistulae, stricture or bleeding) that fails conservative management is traditionally treated by open Hartmann's rectosigmoidectomy. Alternatives to laparoscopy are particularly helpful in the obese where large incisions cause significant problems with pain management, patient mobilisation and wound breakdown with hernia. Endoscopic management of acute diverticular bleeding and stricture with obstruction is well described. Radiological management of diverticular abscess is widely available Laparoscopic washout for purulent peritonitis is new whilst laparoscopic resection for faecal peritonitis is proven. Technical aspects of colonic diverticular surgery in the obese will be discussed and our experiences with laparoscopic, colonoscopic and radiological management complicated diverticulitis will be presented. [source]

Novel approach to laparoscopic resection of tumours of the distal pancreas

LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATECTOMY, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2007
Jerome M. Laurence
This systematic review was undertaken to assess the published evidence for the safety, feasibility and reproducibility of laparoscopic liver resection. A computerized search of the Medline and Embase databases identified 28 non-duplicated studies including 703 patients in whom laparoscopic hepatectomy was attempted. Pooled data were examined for information on the patients, lesions, complications and outcome. The most common procedures were wedge resection (35.1%), segmentectomy (21.7%) and left lateral segmentectomy (20.9%). Formal right hepatectomy constituted less than 4% of the reported resections. The conversion and complication rates were 8.1% and 17.6%, respectively. The mortality rate over all these studies was 0.8% and the median (range) hospital stay 7.8 days (2,15.3 days). Eight case,control studies were analysed and although some identified significant reductions in-hospital stay, time to first ambulation after surgery and blood loss, none showed a reduction in complication or mortality rate for laparoscopically carried out resections. It is clear that certain types of laparoscopic resection are feasible and safe when carried out by appropriately skilled surgeons. Further work is needed to determine whether these conclusions can be generalized to include formal right hepatectomy. [source]

HP10 LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF SUBMUCOSAL GASTRIC LESIONS , THE WHANGAREI EXPERIENCE

Bowel obstruction associated with endoscopic tattooing of the colon with India ink

ASIAN JOURNAL OF ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2010
Y Seki
Abstract During a laparoscopic resection of small colorectal lesions, preoperative endoscopic marking with India ink is useful for identifying the location of the lesion. India ink has been thought to be a safe agent with few adverse effects. We herein report a case who suffered from postoperative abdominal pain resulting in bowel obstruction, due to massive adhesion around the area with India ink. A 61-year-old man with early transverse colon cancer underwent a laparoscopy-assisted transverse colon resection. Prior to the operation, endoscopic tattooing with India ink was performed. At the operation, spillage of India ink into the peritoneal cavity was observed. Many small black spots were thereafter seen on the peritoneum, mesentery and omentum, but neither severe inflammation nor any adhesion was noticed. The operation was performed without any difficulty. Though his immediate postoperative course was uneventful, a bowel obstruction gradually developed from a week postoperatively. Finally, he had to undergo a re-operation, and was found to have diffuse and massive adhesion around areas with India ink. Especially, severe omental adhesion involved and squeezed the transverse colon. A resection of the omentum with stenotic colon and re-anastomosis was performed. India ink can cause severe inflammation and adhesion when it accidentally leaks into the peritoneal cavity. [source]

Laparoscopic debulking of bulky lymph nodes in women with cervical cancer: indication and surgical outcomes

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
R Tozzi
Objective, To describe the technique and the surgical outcome of laparoscopic resection of bulky lymph nodes before adjuvant treatment. Design, Prospective pilot study. Setting, Gynaecological oncology cancer centre. Population, From January 2006 to February 2008, 22 consecutive women presented with cervical cancer and bulky metastatic lymph nodes (>2 cm). Methods, All women underwent resection of bulky lymph nodes by laparoscopy. A prospective record of the main surgical outcomes was performed. Main outcome measures, Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic resection of bulky lymph nodes, conversion to laparotomy, intra- and perioperative morbidity. Results, All the operations were completed by laparoscopy. Median operative time was 197 minutes (range 180,320). Median blood loss was 60 cc (range 10,100), two women experienced complications: one thermal injury of the sciatic root provoking postoperative leg palsy and one chylous ascites. The woman with the thermal injury has recovered most leg function with physiotherapy and the woman with chylous ascites recovered within 2 weeks, slightly delaying the adjuvant treatment. All women were discharged within 4 days from the operation (range 2,4). Pathology reports confirmed the presence of tumour metastases and the lymph nodes size. The adjuvant treatment started at a median time of 12 days (range 3,22). Conclusion, Debulking of large pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes was effectively accomplished by laparoscopy in all 22 women with 9% complication rate. The surgical outcome is similar to historical series on women operated on by laparotomy, with the advantage of a faster recovery and an early start of adjuvant treatment. [source]

Ten-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection in a single institution

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2009
A. Sasaki
Background: Recent developments in liver surgery include the introduction of laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of the present study was to review a single institution's 10-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection (TLLR). Methods: Between May 1997 and April 2008, 82 patients underwent TLLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (37 patients), liver metastases (39) and benign liver lesions (six). Operations included 69 laparoscopic wedge resections, 11 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies and two thoracoscopic wedge resections. Nine patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal primary cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Results: Median operating time was 177 (range 70,430) min and blood loss 64 (range 1,917) ml. Median tumour size and surgical margin were 25 (range 15,85) and 6 (range 0,40) mm respectively. One procedure was converted to a laparoscopically assisted hepatectomy. Three patients developed complications. Median postoperative stay was 9 (range 3,37) days. The overall 5-year survival rate after surgery for HCC and colorectal metastases was 53 and 64 per cent respectively. Conclusion: TLLR can be performed safely for a variety of primary and secondary liver tumours, and seems to offer at least short-term benefits in selected patients. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Trends towards increased use of the laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 10 2010
J. Lengyel
Abstract Aim, The aim of the study was to identify the trend towards laparoscopic resection in the practice of one surgeon and to determine whether the default approach to all colorectal procedures could be by means of minimally invasive techniques with an associated low rate of conversion. Method, A prospective database of primary colorectal resections under the care of one colorectal surgeon collected between July 2003 and December 2008 was analysed to determine the trend in the use of the laparoscopic approach and the rate of conversion of an intention-to-treat policy for laparoscopic procedures. Patients with recurrent rectal or colonic malignancy were excluded from the study. Results, A total of 598 patients underwent elective colorectal resection of which 371 (62%) were carried out laparoscopically with a rate of conversion of 3.2%. The proportion of all colorectal resections that were undertaken laparoscopically in the first 1 year was 26% (22/85) (no conversions). This proportion rose to 100% (127/127) in the fifth year of the study of which 4.0% were converted. The introduction of more complex procedures did not have an adverse effect on the trend towards more laparoscopic resections The commencement of a laparoscopic colorectal fellowship in 2006 was associated with a marked increase in the number of laparoscopic cases. Conclusion, A conscious decision to make the laparoscopic approach the default for all colorectal resections can be achieved safely with a low conversion rate. This can be achieved within the context of training a ,novice' laparoscopic colorectal surgeon. [source]

The uptake of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Great Britain and Ireland: a questionnaire survey of consultant members of the ACPGBI

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 3 2009
K. E. Schwab
Abstract Objective, The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended laparoscopic resection as an alternative to open surgery for patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current uptake of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Great Britain and Ireland. Method, A questionnaire was distributed to members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) regarding their current surgical practice. Results were analysed individually, by region, and nationwide. Results, Information was received on 436 consultants (in 155 replies), of whom 233 (53%) perform laparoscopic colorectal procedures. During the previous year, 25% of colorectal resections were performed laparoscopically by the respondents. However, of those surgeons who were performing laparoscopic resections, only 30% performed more than half of all their resections laparoscopically. Right hemicolectomy, left-sided resections, and rectopexy were the most frequently performed laparoscopic resections. There was an even distribution throughout the country of consultants performing laparoscopic resections (regional IQR 48,60%). The main reason for consultants not performing laparoscopic procedures was a lack of training or funding. Conclusion, Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is being performed by more than half (53%) of colorectal consultants nationwide, although only a quarter of all procedures are being undertaken laparoscopically. [source]

Laparoscopic colonic resection in inflammatory bowel disease: minimal surgery, minimal access and minimal hospital stay

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 9 2008
E. Boyle
Abstract Objective, Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is technically demanding but can offer improved short-term outcomes. The introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as the default operative approach for IBD, however, may have inherent learning curve-associated disadvantages. We hypothesise that the establishment of MIS as the standard operative approach does not increase patient morbidity as assessed in the initial period of its introduction into a specialised unit, and that it confers earlier postoperative gastrointestinal recovery and reduced hospitalisation compared with conventional open resection. Method, A case,control study was undertaken on laparoscopic resection (LR) vs open colon resection (OR) for IBD. The LR group was collated prospectively and compared with a pathologically matched historical control set. Outcomes measured included: postoperative length of stay, time to normal bowel function and postoperative morbidity. Statistical analysis was performed using spss. Results, Twenty-eight patients were investigated (14 LR, 14 OR). The two groups were matched for type of operation, type of disease and age. There were no conversions in the LR group. Morbidity and readmissions did not differ significantly between the groups. Those undergoing laparoscopic resection had a quicker return to diet (median 2 vs 4 days; P = 0.000002), time to first bowel motion (2 vs 4 days; P = 0.019) and shorter postoperative length of stay (5.5 vs 12.5; P = 0.0067). Conclusion, These findings support the routine use of MIS for the elective surgical management of IBD in our department. Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomies for IBD can expect faster return of gastrointestinal function and shorter hospitalisation. [source]

Laparoscopic colectomy is cheaper than conventional open resection

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 9 2007
P. F. Ridgway
Abstract Objective, International randomized trials have endorsed the routine use of laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery. The authors hypothesize that the overall care pathway in minimal access resection was cheaper than conventional open resection. Method, This was a case-matched study of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic resection between July 2005 and February 2006. Intraoperative (costs, duration, incision length) and postoperative [morbidity, length of stay (LOS), readmission] parameters were examined. Institutional retrospective open controls and national validated figures were used for costings. Results, Thirty-five laparoscopic and 53 open resections were evaluated. Median LOS was 5 days in the laparoscopic group vs 12 in the open group (P = 0.001). There were two conversions (5.7%) and two readmissions. Mean operative cost of laparoscopic resection was ,1557.08, therefore 2.4 bed days need to be saved to recoup the increased cost compared with open resection. The actual median save is 7 days (P = 0.031). A mean of ,4591.38 and 7 bed days per case is saved by performing the resection laparoscopically. Subgroup analysis of laparoscopic resections clearly demonstrates similar trends. Conclusion, The institutional saving is over ,150 000 and 245 bed days during the study period. Despite higher operative spending, laparoscopic colorectal resections are significantly cheaper than conventional open resections. [source]

Laparoscopic resection of diverticular fistulae: a 10-year experience

Laparoscopic vs open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 5 2006
H. S. Tilney
Abstract Aim, The present meta-analysis aims to compare short-term and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic or open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease. Methods, A literature search of Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between 1992 and 2005, comparing laparoscopic (LSC) and open (OSC) subtotal colectomy. A random effect meta-analytical technique was used and sensitivity analysis performed on studies published since the beginning of 2000, higher quality papers, those reporting on more than 40 patients, and those studies reporting on adult cases or acute colitis. Results, A total of eight studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. These included outcomes on 336 patients, 143 (42.6%) of whom had undergone laparoscopic resection, with an overall conversion rate to open surgery of 5% (range 0,11.8%). Operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group by 86.2 min (P < 0.001) and throughout subgroup analysis, although it was only in patients with acute colitis that this finding was without significant heterogeneity. Operative blood loss was less in the laparoscopic group by 57.5 millilitres in high quality and studies published since 2000, and 65.3 millilitres in those reporting on more than 40 patients. There was no significant difference in early or long-term complications between the groups. A statistically significant reduction in length of postoperative stay was observed in the laparoscopic groups by 2.9 days (P < 0.001). Conclusion, Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy was associated with longer operating times but a reduced length of stay compared to open surgery. Although short-term outcomes were equivalent in both groups, the suggested benefits in terms of reduced long-term obstructive complications were not supported by this meta-analysis. [source]

Laparoscopic proctocolectomy with restorative ileal-anal pouch

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 6 2004
T. S. Gill
Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to analyse the outcome of restorative proctocolectomy carried out by laparoscopic surgery. Methods A prospectively collected electronic database of all colorectal laparoscopic procedures performed between April 2001 and July 2003 has been used to identify surgical outcomes in 14 consecutive patients who have undergone laparoscopic RPC. Results Fourteen patients (5 male), median BMI 24 kg/m2 have undergone restorative laparoscopic proctocolectomy over a two year period: 13 (ulcerative colitis, one with cancer) and 1 (FAP). The median operation time was 260 min; time has not decreased with experience. There were no intra-operative surgical complications or deaths. Patient controlled analgesia continued for a median of 36 h. The median time to diet was 48 h and median hospital stay 7 days; three patients required nasogastric aspiration for delayed gastric emptying. Eighteen regional lymph nodes were retrieved local to the carcinoma. There was one anastomotic leak. All covering stomas were closed by 6 months (12 by eight weeks). All 14 patients are fully continent, able to suppress urgency and have a median pouch frequency of 4/24 h. None admit to having problems with potency, orgasm sensation, ejaculation, micturition. One lady reports dysparunia. All are highly satisfied with functional outcome and cosmesis. Conclusion We are encouraged to continue to offer our patients the option of a laparoscopic resection. [source]

Australasian Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Study shows that elderly patients may benefit from lower postoperative complication rates following laparoscopic versus open resection,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 1 2010
R. A. Allardyce
Background: A retrospective analysis of age-related postoperative morbidity in the Australia and New Zealand prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open resection for right- and left-sided colonic cancer is presented. Methods: A total of 592 eligible patients were entered and studied from 1998 to 2005. Results: Data from 294 patients who underwent laparoscopic and 298 who had open colonic resection were analysed; 266 patients were aged less than 70 years and 326 were 70 years or older (mean(s.d.) 70·3(11·0) years). Forty-three laparoscopic operations (14·6 per cent) were converted to an open procedure. Fewer complications were reported for intention-to-treat laparoscopic resections compared with open procedures (P = 0·002), owing primarily to a lower rate in patients aged 70 years or more (P = 0·002). Fewer patients in the laparoscopic group experienced any complication (P = 0·035), especially patients aged 70 years or above (P = 0·019). Conclusion: Treatment choices for colonic cancer depend principally upon disease-free survival; however, patients aged 70 years or over should have rigorous preoperative investigation to avoid conversion and should be considered for laparoscopic colonic resection. Registration number: NCT00202111 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]