OBJECTIVESTo investigate the impact of previous abdominal operations on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic reoperation in treatment for colorectal cancer.

METHODSAccording to the statistical standards, 653 consecutive patients treated from March 2002 and March 2009 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: upper abdominal surgery group (n = 48), middle-lower abdominal surgery group (n = 110) and non-previous abdominal surgery group (n = 495). Demographic, pathoanatomical and surgical data were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThere was no significant differences in demographic, pathoanatomical data and post-operative complications among the three groups. Compared with the other two groups, middle-lower abdominal surgery subgroup had a higher intra-operative conversion rate due to intra-abdominal adhesion (4.2%, 11.8% and 3.8% in upper abdominal surgery group, middle-lower abdominal surgery group and non-previous abdominal surgery group, respectively). And no significant differences was found in operating time [(132 ± 36), (141 ± 42), (132 ± 36) min], intra-operation blood loss [(58 ± 50), (81 ± 99), (57 ± 57) ml], blood transfusion rate (6.3%, 10.9%, 7.9%), low sphincter-preserving surgery rate (47.1%, 44.7%, 55.2%), time of first flatus passage [(2.5 ± 1.4), (2.9 +/- 1.7), (2.5 ± 2.1) d], fasting time [(5 ± 4), (5 ± 4), (4 ± 3) d], hospital stay [(17 ± 9), (15 ± 8), (16 ± 10) d] between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe history of previous abdominal operations should not be regarded as a contraindication for laparoscopic colorectal cancer reoperation. The laparoscopic reoperation for colorectal cancer is safe and feasible.