Abstract
BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive tract, often complicated by intestinal obstruction, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. While traditional laparotomy is the standard treatment, it is associated with large wounds, slower recovery, and higher complication rates. Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach, may offer better outcomes for these patients. AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects and prognosis of laparoscopic surgery in patients with colon cancer complicated by intestinal obstruction compared to traditional laparotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with colon cancer and intestinal obstruction who underwent surgical treatment between January 2020 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: The control group (CG), treated with traditional laparotomy, and the observation group (OG), treated with laparoscopic surgery. Clinical effects, surgical indicators, postoperative pain, inflammatory response, complication rates, quality of life, and prognosis were assessed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The OG showed superior clinical outcomes compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Patients in the OG had shorter operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, faster recovery of intestinal function, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays (P < 0.05). Postoperative pain (numerical rating scale scores) and inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP)] were lower in the OG (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly reduced in the OG (6.00% vs 22.00%, P < 0.05). Quality of life scores, including physical function, psychological state, social communication, and self-care ability, were significantly higher in the OG (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in abdominal drainage volume, 1-year tumor recurrence or metastasis rates, or 1- and 3-year survival rates (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The OG showed superior clinical outcomes compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Patients in the OG had shorter operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, faster recovery of intestinal function, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays (P < 0.05). Postoperative pain (NRS scores) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP) were lower in the OG (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly reduced in the OG (6.00% vs 22.00%, P < 0.05). Quality of life scores, including physical function, psychological state, social communication, and self-care ability, were significantly higher in the OG (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in abdominal drainage volume, 1-year tumor recurrence or metastasis rates, or 1- and 3-year survival rates (P > 0.05).