OBJECTIVES:
* Determine whether longitudinal and circumferential resection margins and lymphatic clearances obtained during laparoscopic surgery are different from those obtained with conventional open surgery in patients with colorectal cancer.
* Compare the patterns of loco-regional or distant metastatic spread after these two surgical methods in these patients.
* Compare the morbidity and mortality rates in these patients after these two surgical methods, particularly in terms of the technical or thromboembolic complications that may develop as a consequence of prolonged pneumoperitoneum.
* Compare the disease-free or overall survival of these patients after these two operative procedures.
* Determine, in those patients in whom laparoscopic surgery fails, which investigatory modalities are appropriate for providing pre-operative indications that a patient is an inappropriate candidate for laparoscopic dissection.
* Compare the differences in quality of life between the two operative procedures, particularly in patients with advanced disease.
OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study.
Patients undergo laparoscopic surgery or conventional open surgery.
Patients are followed at 1 and 3 months following surgery, then every 3 months for the first year, every 4 months for the second year, and then every 6 months thereafter.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 1,200 patients will be accrued for this study within 5 years.
