Prospective Randomised Study Comparing Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery in Patients With Rectal Cancer

The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic versus open approach on the surgical treatment of mid and low-lying rectal cancer, both performed by the same surgical team with experience in open colorectal surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery, assessing preoperative and anatomopathological results and long-term outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mid- and low-lying rectal cancer (between 0 and 11 cm from the anal margin)
• Histology of adenocarcinoma

Exclusion Criteria:

• Locally advanced disease (T4)
• Emergency surgery
• Rectal cancer over familial colic polyposis