Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer is a safe and feasible procedure that improves short-term outcome. Results regarding the long-term survival of patients enrolled in large multicenter trials will determine its role in general surgery.

Intraperitoneal carbon dioxide insufflation attenuates peritoneal immunity, but laparoscopic surgery is associated with a lower systemic stress response than open surgery.

From a societal perspective, EH entails costs similar to OH but offers extra benefits to the patient in terms of QoL and pain.

No abstract