Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in Korea: Nationwide Data from 2013 to 2018

PURPOSE: We report nationwide data on the current status of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nationwide data of patients who underwent surgery for CRC from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. Data and trends of laparoscopy use for colorectal resection over six years were examined. RESULTS: In Korea, a total of 117,320 patients underwent surgical resection for CRC from 2013 to 2018. The proportion of laparoscopic resection increased from 64.9% in 2013 to 78.5% in 2018. The rate of laparoscopic resection for colon cancer increased from 64.7% in 2013 to 77.4% in 2018. For rectal cancer, the rate of laparoscopic resection increased from 65.4% to 81.6%. Males accounted for 59.8% of all patients, but females surpassed males at over 80 years of age. The age of peak incidence was in the 60s for males and in the 70s for females. A steady increase in the number of patients undergoing surgery for CRC was observed over 80 years of age. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic penetration rate for CRC in Korea continued to increase annually and reached 78.5% in 2018.