Risk Factors Preventing Success of a Minilaparotomy Approach in the Resection of Colorectal Cancer

<i>Background:</i> A minilaparotomy approach is technically feasible for the resection of colorectal cancer in select patients. The aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors preventing the success of a minilaparotomy in the resection of colorectal cancer. <i>Methods:</i> Between April 2005 and August 2008, 141 consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective study and scheduled to undergo resection of colorectal cancer using a minimal skin incision. The minilaparotomy involved a colorectal resection performed through a skin incision <7 cm in length. Neither a hand-port nor a laparoscope was used. <i>Results:</i> A minilaparotomy was successful in 74 (52.5%) of 141 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the failure of the minilaparotomy in the remaining 67 (47.5%) was independently related to gender (male), BMI (≥25.5), tumor location (splenic flexure and rectum), tumor adhesion/invasion on/into adjacent organs and the maximum tumor diameter (≥7.0 cm). <i>Conclusion:</i> Gender (male), BMI (≥25.5), tumor location (splenic flexure and rectum) and tumor aggressiveness [tumor adhesion/invasion on/into adjacent organs and maximum tumor diameter (≥7.0 cm)] were independent risk factors preventing the success of the minilaparotomy approach in the resection of colorectal cancer.