Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported improved or unchanged three-year survival following laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) for colon cancer compared with that following open resection (OCR). The aim of this study was to determine health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients randomized to laparoscopic or open resection for colon cancer.
Methods: In total, 285 patients (130 LCR, 155 OCR) from seven Swedish centers were included. HRQL was assessed preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively with the EQ-5D and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments.
Results: The LCR patients did significantly better on the social function component of the EORTC QLQ-C30 at two and four weeks and on the role function component at two weeks.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection for colon cancer improved quality of life during the first postoperative month.