Objective  To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME)/D3 radical operation in stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ right colon cancer by comparing this approach with open surgery.

  Methods  A total of 178 patients with stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ right hemicolon cancer were admitted to the Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang. They underwent CME/D3 radical operation between January 2008 and December 2011. These cases were divided into two groups, namely, the oapen group (n=82) and the laparoscopic group (n=96). Data on complications, survival, and recurrence were compared between the two groups. Results: The laparoscopic group (P < 0.001) showed less blood loss, smaller length of incision, faster first flatus, and shorter hospital stay than the open group. The operation time and number of lymph nodes harvested were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found in the complications brought about by anastomotic leakage, wound infection, bleeding, urinary retention, ileus, and chyle between the two groups (P > 0.05). After a median follow-up of 56 months, the overall survival rates (89.0% vs. 91.7%, P=0.357) and disease-free survival rates (94.6% vs. 94.3%, P=0.823) in the two groups were similar.

  Conclusion  Laparoscopic CME/D3 operation is feasible and safe in the treatment of the stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ right hemicolon cancers.