Copyright
©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Nov 27, 2013; 5(11): 294-299
Published online Nov 27, 2013. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v5.i11.294
Published online Nov 27, 2013. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v5.i11.294
Comparative analysis of open and laparoscopic colectomy for malignancy in a developing country
Pierre-Anthony Leake, Patrick O Roberts, Joseph M Plummer, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
Kristen Pitzul, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada
Author contributions: Leake PA designed the study and wrote the manuscript; Pitzul K performed the statistical analysis and was involved in editing the manuscript; Roberts PO assisted in data collection and editing the manuscript; Plummer JM assisted in study design and was involved in editing the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Pierre-Anthony Leake, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica. paeleake@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1-876-9271270 Fax: +1-876-9788603
Received: July 28, 2013
Revised: October 1, 2013
Accepted: October 17, 2013
Published online: November 27, 2013
Revised: October 1, 2013
Accepted: October 17, 2013
Published online: November 27, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: The development of laparoscopic colectomy in developing countries has been slow despite strong evidence to support its benefit. The demonstration that laparoscopic procedures can be performed safely in these environments supports and encourages further incorporation of laparoscopy in these environments. Notwithstanding proven feasibility of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in developing countries, there is the need to demonstrate equivalent oncologic outcomes to open surgery in order to establish safety. This study shows that laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in a developing country is not only feasible but is oncologically safe.