Minimal-invasive Chirurgie. Aspekte der chirurgischen Onkologie des Gastrointestinaltrakts [Minimal invasive surgery. Aspects of surgical oncology of the gastrointestinal tract]

The general potential and current position of minimally invasive surgery for the surgical treatment of malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are discussed. A reliable validation of these procedures for tumour surgery is still impossible due to the lack of long-term results, the selective experience, and the ongoing process of learning and development. However, it seems clear that minimally invasive procedures will have an important position within surgical oncology. This is especially true with respect to improved staging of gastrointestinal tumours by laparoscopy and various palliative procedures that may be performed laparoscopically. Minimally invasive procedures may suffice for the treatment of certain, highly selected cases of preneoplastic and early cancerous lesions. The definitive acceptance of minimally invasive procedures in the future will require further clinical, preferably randomised trials, comparing the advantages of the minimally invasive access route to possible long-term disadvantages with regard to recurrence-free and overall survival.