Less Invasive Surgery Safe for Colon Cancer
Minimally invasive colon cancer surgery may be a safe and effective alternative to the traditional operation for most early-stage patients.
Laparoscopy, in which surgeons insert a tiny video camera and surgical instruments through small abdominal incisions, involves less scarring and a shorter hospital stay than traditional surgery.
A seven-year study was launched in response to widespread concerns that the minimally invasive technique actually fueled recurrences. The results are summarized as follows:
- Standard surgery: average hospital stay: six days; IV pain medication: four days; incision: six to eight inches; length of operation: 95 minutes.
- Laparoscopic surgery: average hospital stay: five days; IV pain medication: three days; incision: two inches; length of operation: 150 minutes.
Before laparoscopy becomes more widespread, surgeons will need more training. The procedure is more technically challenging and takes longer than traditional surgery.
