Efficacy and Safety of Reduced Port Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

ABSTRACT Background Reduced port surgery (RPS) for colorectal cancer has been associated with favorable cosmetic outcomes; however, its safety and efficacy are inconclusive. The purpose of this study is to clarify the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic RPS for colorectal cancer. Methods A randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic multi‐port surgery (MPS) and RPS for colorectal cancer except lower rectal cancer was conducted from 2014 to 2020. The eligibility criteria were elective surgery for clinical stages 0–III and D2 or D3 lymph node dissection. MPS was defined as 4‐ to 5‐port and RPS as 1‐ to 2‐port. Short‐ and long‐term results and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) scores at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively were compared. Results Ninety‐one patients (46 MPS; 45 RPS) were analyzed. The short‐term results (MPS: RPS), operative time, blood loss, and incidence of early complications did not differ. There was a significant difference in the length of postoperative stay (11:9 days, p = 0.034). The long‐term results showed no differences in the 5‐year overall survival rates and cancer‐specific survival rates. Regarding HRQOL, there were no differences in the eight subscales and two summary scores at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion Short‐ and long‐term outcomes and HRQOL scores of RPS for colorectal cancer were similar to those of MPS. RPS may be a potential therapeutic option for colorectal cancer.