Minimally Invasive Surgery Opportunities to Reduce Disparities in Rural Colon Cancer Outcomes

Recent research highlights the significant advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for colon cancer patients, particularly those residing in rural areas. Typically, rural patients face higher risks of postoperative complications and decreased survival rates compared to urban counterparts. A comprehensive analysis of 33,183 patients aged 66 and older, using data from the SEER-Medicare database, revealed that adopting MIS approaches can substantially mitigate these disparities.

Rural patients undergoing traditional open surgery exhibited higher rates of complications within 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery, including more post-discharge reoperations. Additionally, their survival rates at 30 days, 90 days, and up to one year post-operation were worse. Interestingly, the study found that the adoption of MIS is notably lower in rural hospitals, despite evidence showing its protective benefits against surgical site infections and anastomotic leaks.

The research identified that surgical approach accounts for nearly a third of the discrepancies in postoperative complications between rural and urban patients. This suggests that expanding access to and implementation of minimally invasive colectomy in rural healthcare settings could lead to more equitable outcomes.

By focusing on surgical techniques and improving access to advanced procedures in rural areas, healthcare providers can work towards reducing the rural-urban gap in colon cancer treatment results. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and resource allocation to ensure rural patients receive optimal surgical care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-rural-colon-cancer-patients-higher.html