Laparoscopic vs Open surgery for rectal cancer - A single institutional propensity score matched study in South India

Background: Oncological risk/ benefit for laparoscopic approach in rectal cancer are still controversial especially for more advanced stage low rectal cancer. Trials have shown laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer had a better early postoperative recovery and are non-inferior to open approach with respect to long term oncological outcomes. There is a limited data comparing the outcome of two approaches in developing countries and for T4 cancer. The aim of this study is to compare the short term and long-term oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.