Objective To investigate the impact of conversion to open in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical resection (LRR) on postoperative recovery. Methods The data from Feb. 2003 to Feb. 2007 of 176 cases who were given LRR and 32 cases receiving conversion in LRR (CRR) were analyzed retrospectively, and were compared about operation time, hospitalization time, hospitalization expenses, intraoperative blood loss, recovery time of bowel movement and postoperative complications with 59 cases of open rectal cancer radical resection (ORR). Results There were no differences among LRR, CRR and ORR about operation time, hospitalization time, intraoperative blood loss and recovery time of bowel movement (Pgt;0.05). The hospitalization expenses of LRR and CRR were higher than that of ORR (P=0.001, P=0.001), there was no difference between CRR and LRR (P=0.843). But the postoperative complications rate of ORR was higher than those of LRR and CRR （P=0.023,P=0.004）. Conclusion Compared with ORR, LRR has relatively conversion rate, and then increases the hospitalization expenses.
Objective To analyze the risk factors inducing tumor cells exfoliating during radical resection of rectal cancer. Methods Sixty patients who were diagnosed as rectal cancer from May 2006 to November 2007 and given radical operations were assigned prospectively in this study. Before cutting the rectal stump below the tumor, saline was instilled into rectum to irrigate the stump. Collected irrigating fluids were sent to pathology laboratory, and the exfoliated malignant cells were tested by HE （haematoxylin and eosin） dyeing and common smear technique. The results of examines were collected and statistical analysis, including a Logistic regression model, was performed. Results Exfoliated malignant cells were found in 27 samples. By univariate analysis, the statistically significant factors defining a high risk of exfoliating were age, tumor size, TNM stage, operation time and operation method (Plt;0.05). Only TNM stage， operation time and operation method were confirmed by Logistic regression analysis to independently result in a statistically significant increased risk of exfoliating. Conclusion Irrigating the rectal stump before cutting down the tumor is essential to avoid local recurrence. The effects of TNM stage, tumor size and operation time are important. Although the laparoscopic surgery is more predominant than conventional surgery for non-neoplasma technology, irrigating is an important process.