The Initial Experience in Adopting Laparoscopic Right Colectomy with Complete Mesocolic Excision through a Learning Curriculum

A BSTRACT Introduction: Laparoscopic right colectomy with complete mesocolic excision (CME) is increasingly adopted across the globe due to studies showing improved long-term survival outcomes. However, major vascular injury is the main cited reason against routine CME being performed. We aim to evaluate our early experience of laparoscopic right colectomy with CME through a structured learning curriculum. Methods: Prospective data collection was performed from January 2024 to February 2025 for all laparoscopic right colectomy with CME. Data collated included patient demographics, comorbidities, pathology, intra- and postoperative outcomes, and histopathology outcomes. Results: During the study period, there were 12 cases of CME performed. There were 8 female and 4 male patients. The median age was 73 years (range: 64–86). The median American Society of Anesthesiologists was 3 (2–3). The median body mass index was 25.1 (range: 20.8–37.8). Of the 12 cases, there were 10 laparoscopic right colectomy with CME cases, 1 extended right colectomy with CME, and 1 synchronous laparoscopic right colectomy with CME with low anterior resection and diverting loop ileostomy. There was one conversion to open due to bleeding at the gastro-omental vessel. This was managed with oversewing. There was no injury to the Trunk of Henle/SMV/SMA. There was no anastomotic leak. All cases achieved R0 resection, and the median lymph node yield was 29 (range: 16–70). There was no mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic right colectomy with CME can be safely introduced into clinical practice through a structured learning curriculum. Further long-term oncological outcomes need to be evaluated for CME.