Outcomes of open colectomy for colorectal cancer: A prospective study of 50 patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. While laparoscopic colectomy has gained popularity in well-resourced settings, open colectomy continues to be the primary approach in resource-limited environments. This prospective study evaluates the outcomes of 50 open colectomy cases performed at Al- Zahra Teaching Hospitals and private Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Key metrics analyzed include patient demographics, operative details, pathological adequacy, postoperative complications, recovery times, and patient satisfaction. The mean lymph node yield was 16 nodes, with negative resection margins achieved in 94% of cases, indicating satisfactory oncological outcomes. Postoperative complications occurred in 30% of patients, primarily surgical site infections (12%). The mean hospital stay was 8 days, and patients returned to normal activity within 21 days. Patient satisfaction scores reflected positive experiences, particularly regarding communication with the surgical team. These findings highlight the continued relevance of open colectomy in settings without access to advanced laparoscopic technology, emphasizing the need for optimization of perioperative care and surgical techniques.