Laparoscopic versus open colectomy for locally advanced T4 colonic cancer: meta-analysis of clinical and oncological outcomes

Colonic cancer is a common condition, and in 10-20 per cent of patients the tumour has grown beyond the bowel wall or invaded other organs at diagnosis (called locally advanced colonic cancer). This study reviews the use of laparoscopic (minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery) to treat these locally advanced tumours. Medical databases were searched for research publications on the subject. In total, 24 studies (including data on 18 123 patients) comparing laparoscopic with traditional open surgery were identified. Analysing the data of the studies together found that laparoscopic surgery was associated with lower rates of mortality and surgical complications. No difference in survival or cancer recurrence was found.