To investigate long-term oncological outcomes and compare short-term prognostic outcomes between laparoscopic resection (LR) and open resection (OR) in patients with T4 colon cancer, emphasizing the significance of both outcome types.
Key Findings:
Laparoscopic resection demonstrated comparable long-term oncological safety to open resection in T4 colon cancer.
Short-term outcomes such as intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization were improved in the laparoscopic group.
Key prognostic factors influencing 3-year OS and DFS were identified, including age, tumor stage, and surgical margins.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that laparoscopic surgery may be a safe and effective option for T4 colon cancer, challenging existing guidelines that limit its use, particularly in light of improved short-term outcomes.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and may be subject to selection bias despite propensity score matching.
Limited generalizability due to the single-center design and specific inclusion criteria.
Potential confounding factors may not have been fully controlled for in the analysis.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic resection should be considered a viable surgical option for T4 colon cancer, with evidence supporting its safety and efficacy, which may influence future clinical guidelines.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) impacts about 1 in 13,000 pregnancies in the United States. This article follows the case of a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with CRC while pregnant and highlights considerations around CRC diagnosis and cancer treatment during pregnancy.