Hand-Assisted Colorectal Surgery: A Barrier to the Advancement of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

In an attempt to overcome some of the perceived barriers to laparoscopic colorectal surgery, a hand-assisted technique has been developed. This article evaluates hand-assisted colorectal surgery and identifies the main disadvantages. There remains an important concern related to the technique of dissection, cost, and application of this approach in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Despite the initial perceived advantages in patient outcomes, clinical trials have failed to identify improved outcomes in patients with colorectal disease. Ultimately, we suspect this approach will not facilitate learning and will not play a significant role in the advancement of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This discussion should allow the reader to recognize why this approach will ultimately have a limited application in the development and progression of laparoscopic techniques.