Background: Adoption of the laparoscopic approach for colorectal cancer treatment has been slow owing to initial case study results suggesting high recurrence rates at port sites. The use of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer still raises a number of concerns, particularly with the technique's complexity, learning curve and longer duration. After exploring the scientific literature comparing open and laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of colorectal cancer with respect to oncologic efficacy and shortterm outcomes, the Comité de l'évolution des pratiques en oncologie (CEPO) made recommendations for surgical practice in Quebec.Methods: Scientific literature published from January 1995 to April 2012 was reviewed. Phase III clinical trials and meta-analyses were included.Results: Sixteen randomized trials and 10 meta-analyses were retrieved. Analysis of the literature confirmed that for curative treatment of colorectal cancer, laparoscopy is not inferior to open surgery with respect to survival and recurrence rates. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery provides short-term advantages, including a shorter hospital stay, reduced analgesic use and faster recovery of intestinal function. However, this approach does require a longer operative time.
Background. The emergence of COVID-19 has the potential to change the way the health care system can accommodate various patient populations and may impact patients with non-COVID-19 problematics. The Quebec Lung Cancer Network which oversees the thoracic oncology services in the province of Quebec under the direction of the Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux convened in order to develop recommendations to plan for the potential disruption of services in thoracic oncology in the province of Quebec. This summary has been adapted from the original document posted on the Programme Québécois du Cancer web site at: https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/documents/coronavirus-2019-ncov/PJ1_Recommandations_oncologie-thoracique-200415.pdf Methods. Optimization plans to the health care system as well as potential prioritization of services were discussed according to varying levels of activity. For each level of activity scenario, propositions were suggested on the services and treatments to prioritize, those that may need to be postponed and well as potential alternatives to care. Results. The principal recommendation is that the cancer center executive committee and the multidisciplinary tumor board should always try to find a solution to maintain standard of care therapy to all patients with thoracic tumors using as needed novel approaches to treatment and the adoption of a network approach to care. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic effect on the health care system remains unpredictable and requires that cancer teams unite and offer the most efficient and innovative therapies to all patients under the variable conditions that may be forced upon them.
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