Objective: To explore the differences in long-term outcomes between laparoscopic and open complete mesocolic excision(CME) for colon cancer.
Methods: A total of 273 patients with colon cancer who underwent CME at the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from September 2000 to December 2008 were divided into laparoscopic(LP, n=147) and open(OP, n=126) groups in a non-random manner. The oncologic and long-term outcomes were compared.
Results: No significant differences were seen in the length of distal and proximal margin, and number of lymph nodes(all P>0.05). Median postoperative follow up was 50 months. Local regional recurrence rates (LP 6.1% vs. OP 7.9%) and distal metastasis rates(LP 23.8% vs. OP 16.7%) were similar between the two groups(all P>0.05). The 5-year overall survival rates (LP 69.4% vs. OP 74.0%, P=0.840) and 5-year disease-free survival rates(LP 68.5% vs. OP 70.9%, P=0.668) between the two groups were not statistically different.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic CME has the same oncologic clearance effects compared with open CME for colon cancer. It might become a new standardized surgery for colon cancer.