Impact of a laparoscopic resection on the quality of life in rectal cancer patients: Results of 135 patients

Purpose To investigate the impact of a laparoscopic resection on the quality of life in rectal cancer patients. Methods This study included 135 patients (laparoscopic resection [LR] 65 cases and open resection [OR] 70 cases). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires were used to measure the quality of life before the operation, then 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after the operation. Results Eleven (16.9%) patients underwent a conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. The incision length and blood loss both decreased significantly in the LR group in comparison to the OR group ( P < 0.05). Recovery of the gastrointestinal function, bladder function, and ambulation was more rapid in the LR group ( P < 0.05). The patients in the LR group reported better global health status (33.3 vs 25.0, P < 0.001), body image (77.8 vs 66.7, P = 0.008), and less pain (33.3 vs 50. 0, P = 0.009) 1 week after operation. Better body image was reported in the LR group even 1 year after the operation ( P < 0.05). Fewer financial difficulties were reported by patients in the LR group ( P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between two groups on other scales. Conclusions This study showed that the quality of life benefits due to minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery were evident only in the immediate postoperative period. A laparoscopic rectal resection therefore provided only better cosmetic benefit over the longer term.