Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review)

Summary

Laparoscopic surgery (including laparoscopically assisted surgery) is recommended as an alternative to open surgery for people with colorectal cancer if:

• both laparoscopic and open surgery are suitable for the person and their condition
• their surgeon has been trained in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and performs the operation often enough to keep his or her skills up to date.

The decision about whether to use open or laparoscopic surgery should be made after informed discussion between the patient and the surgeon. In particular, they should talk about whether the patient's condition is suitable for laparoscopic surgery, the risks and benefits of the two procedures, and the surgeon's experience.

Change to the funding directive

The NICE guidance recommends that laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer should only be performed by surgeons who have completed appropriate training in the technique, and who perform this procedure often enough to maintain competence. Given the current shortage of surgeons skilled in this technique, NICE has today (22 August 2006) advised the Department of Health that they need to consider varying the usual three month period that the NHS is required to fund NICE technology appraisal guidance. The Department of Health are considering this request and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

This guidance replaces TA17 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review): Guidance (MS Word format)
• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review): Guidance
• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review): Quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• TA105 Llawdriniaeth laparosgopig ar gyfer canser y colon a'r rhefr (adolygiad)
• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review): Information for the public (MS Word format)
• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery (review): Information for the public

Background information

• 2006/039 NICE issues updated guidance on keyhole surgery for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• TA105 Colorectal cancer - laparoscopic surgery: Costing template and report