Background: Laparoscopic colectomy has been shown to have significant short- and
long-term benefits compared to open approach. The incorporation of laparoscopy in developing
countries is challenging, due to the high costs of equipment and lack of expertise. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer that
could be performed in developing countries under different circumstances in developed countries.
Methods: Thirty-seven patients (23 males and 14 females) with colorectal cancer with a median age
of 46 years (39–72) have been enrolled for laparoscopic colo-rectal surgery in a tertiary center in
Egypt (South Egypt Cancer Institute) with the trend of reuse of some disposable laparoscopic
instruments.
Results: The median operative time was 130 min (95–195 min). The median estimated blood loss
was 70 ml (30–90 ml). No major intra-operative complications have been encountered. Two cases
(5.5%) have been converted because of local advancement (one case) and bleeding with unavailability
of vessel sealing device at that time (one case). The median time for passing flatus after surgery
was 36 h (12–72 h). The median hospital stay was 4.8 days (4–7 days). The peri-operative period
passed without events. Pathologic outcome revealed that the median number of retrieved lymph
nodes was 14 (range 9–23 lymph node) and all cases had free surgical margin.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer in developing countries could be safe and
feasible. Safe reuse of disposable expensive parts of some laparoscopic instruments could help in
propagation of this technique in developing countries.