INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer may be oncologically equal to open surgery. Since 2001 the departments performing colorectal cancer surgery in Denmark, have reported variables for patient diagnostics, treatment and course to the DCCG database. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is based on data for patients classified with laparoscopic procedure until 31.12.2007. RESULTS: From an annual number of 50 operations, the number increased to 761 completed laparoscopic operations in 2007. The median number of investigated lymph nodes in radical colon operation increased from 11 in 2001-2005 to 15 in 2007. The median blood loss was 50 ml. The postoperative complications were 27% after rectum surgery and 20% after colon surgery, whereas the rate of anastomotic leakage was 7% in both groups. Total 30-day-mortality was 5.5% in the rectum group and 3% in the colon group, and the median length of stay was eight and four days, respectively. Departments performing more than 100 laparoscopic procedures removed significantly more lymph nodes during colon surgery and had lower rate of anastomosis leakage compared with departments with less experience. CONCLUSION: The oncologic quality of laparoscopic surgery was satisfying in the short term. The postoperative complication rate was equal to international results. Yet, a rate of 7% anastomotic leakage after colon surgery warrants further investigation.
Udgivelsesdato: 2009-Oct