This prospective, randomized study compared the outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery(HALS)with laparotomy approach resection of rectal carcionma.

103 cases of rectal cancer patients received HALS and laparotomy approach surgery.The main outcome measures were the distance of tumor to anus, procedure time, blood loss, length of abdominal incision, post-operative abdominal drainage, return function, length of hospital stay, morbidity and pathology results.

General status and the histopathological features of tumours were similar in two groups.Length of abdominal incision, surgical blood loss, post-operative hospital stay length, mean duration of narcotic analgesia, time to first passing flatus, and postoperative venous high nutrition application were better in HALS than open approach surgery.Procedure times and post-operative morbidity were similar in two groups.At a median follow-up of 26 months, two recurrence cases occurred in each group.

In this study, the HALS for curative resection of rectal carcinoma was safe and effective and may offer several potential advantages to patients in their post-operative recovery.

Rectal neoplasms; Laparoscopes; Surgical procedures, operative