COLOR II: Laparoscopic Versus Open Rectal Cancer Removal

Inclusion Criteria:

• solitary rectal cancer observed at colonoscopy or on barium X-ray

• no evidence of distant metastases

• distal border of the tumor within 15 cm of the anal verge at rigid rectoscopy orunder linea conjugata at lateral barium enema radiography

• suitable for elective surgical resection

• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• T1 tumors treated by locl excision

• T4 tumors

• patients under 18 years of age

• signs of acute intestinal obstruction

• more than one colorectal tumor

• Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis, Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer

• active crohn's or active ulcerative colitis

• scheduled need for other synchronous colon surgery

• preoperative indication of invasion of adjacent organs, immobile at palpation or CTshowing invasion

• preoperative evidence of metastases (at least chest X-ray and liver ultrasound)

• other malignancies in medical history except adequately treated basocellularcarcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri

• absolute contraindications to general anesthesia or prolonged pneumoperitoneum (ASAclass > III)

• pregnancy