Extraperitoneal resection of the right colon for locally advanced colon cancer.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Optimal colon cancer surgery correlates with a reduction in recurrence rate and improved overall prognosis. This technical note describes the extraperitoneal approach for locally advanced right colon cancer. METHOD: The retroperitoneal technique, mainly used in pseudomyxoma peritonei resectional surgery, is described in three surgical steps and it is compared with existing surgical approaches for right colon cancer. RESULTS: This approach has the advantages of early entry in the retroperitoneal plane well away from the tumour, early recognition and protection of the ureter and minimal manipulation of the tumour-bearing right colon. CONCLUSION: Extraperitoneal resection of the right colon for locally advanced colon cancer is technically feasible, safe and achieves tumour-free retroperitoneal margins.