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

103 rectal cancer patients received HALS and open 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 of bowel function, length of hospital stay, morbidity and pathology results.

Patients in each group were similar with regard to general status and the histopathological features of tumours.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 group.At a median follow-up of 26 months, both of the groups occured two recurrences.

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