Abstract
Introduction: Over the years, with advances in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic TME has been more widely performed for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. In addition to the well known advantages of laparoscopic surgery, there is also evidence that it is not oncologically inferior to open approach in the management of colorectal cancers. In the present study, we discuss our results for lymph node yield in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for the malignant diseases of the rectum and the sigmoid colon.
Method: We retrospectively collected the data from laparoscopic operations for malignant diseases of the rectum and the sigmoid colon. All laparoscopic anterior resection, low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection procedures performed between 2009 and 2015 in the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Clinic were included. The results were analyzed and compared with the literature.
Results: A total of 75 laparoscopic procedures for sigmoid colon and rectum cancers were performed in our clinic. The average lymph node yield was 17.5 (±8.4) and average metastatic lymph node was 2.4 (±3.4). There was a positive correlation between lymph node yield and tumor size.
Conclusion: In conclusion, laparoscopic TME is a valid option for the treatment of colorectal cancers. In addition to the universal benefits of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic approach allows extensive lymph node dissection, addressing oncological concerns surrounding the technique.

Key words: Colorectal cancer; Lymph nodes; Laparoscopy; Total mesorectal excision