Retrospective Study to Assess Feasibility and to Evaluate Shorterm Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery in Rectal Cancer

Cancer of the rectum, defined as a tumor within 15cm from the anal verge, accounts for approximately 30% of all colorectal malignancies. Colon and rectum cancer are the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colorectal cancer is a relatively uncommon malignancy in India when compared with the western world but incidence of cases below 50yrs is increasing. Treatment of rectal cancer is predominantly surgical excision with addition of neoadjuvant therapy (radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) or adjuvant therapy in selected cases. Total mesorectal excision (TME) is now considered the gold standard, with fewer local recurrences and better overall survival. Laparoscopic colectomy for malignant disease is widely used and has been readily accepted as being more advantageous than the open approach. Its benefits include less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, faster return to work, and better quality of life