INTRODUCTION: Colorectal laparoscopic surgery is considered a procedure with long learning curve. Despite surgeons with experience in laparoscopic surgery are able to achieve the same oncological results obtained in open procedures, it is important to evaluate if these good results are sustained during the learning curve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of the margins and the lymph nodes harvest in early learning curve of laparoscopic colectomies performed by specialized surgeons compared to open colectomies. METHODS: Thirty-three surgical specimens of laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer performed during the early learning curve were evaluated. The following data were analyzed: age, sex, tumor location, pathologic classification, lymph node harvest and proximal and distal margins. Data were compared to a control group of 45 open resections for colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Age, tumor location and Dukes classification of laparoscopic and open groups were similar. Laparoscopic group had more female patients. Distal margins were similar between the groups [mean of 7,15 cm (SD ± 9,98) for open and 8,26 cm (SD ± 11,5) for laparoscopic group, p=NS]. There was no difference in the lymph nodes harvest between the groups. The mean of lymph nodes harvest of open and laparoscopic groups were 19 (SD ± 19,41) and 21 (SD ± 14,73), respectively, (p=NS). CONCLUSION: Oncologic margins and lymph nodes harvest obtained during early learning curve of laparoscopic resections were similar to open procedures. Despite the natural difficulties faced during early learning curve, oncologic criteria can be achieved when laparoscopic colorectal resections are performed by specialized surgeons working with gastrointestinal pathology team.
Colorectal cancer; learning curve; laparoscopic surgery; lymph nodes; pathology
