Aims: To evaluate and compare perioperative results of laparoscopic resection for low and middle third rectal cancer subgroup of patients intended for primary resection (PR) with those operated after chemoradiotherapy (CHRT).
Methods: 291 patients were operated for rectal cancer during the years 2005-2007 in Department of Surgery, J. G. Mendel Oncological Centre Nový Jicín. 155 patients (49 women and 106 men, mean age 65 +/- 9.7, range 27-87) having laparoscopic resection for low and middle rectal cancer were included in the present prospective single centre study. Primary surgical approach was adopted in 74 patients and 81 patients had a preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
Results: Both groups were comparable regarding intraoperative (p = 0.632) and postoperative surgical complications (p = 0.179) and nonsurgical complications (p = 0.654) too. Operative time and postoperative stay were similar in both groups. Number of harvested lymphnodes was higher for PR group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In summary, after short term results evaluation, there is no significant difference for PR and CHRT groups in laparoscopic rectal resection. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy did not lead to worsening of the perioperative results of our patients.