To compare the clinical outcome of patients who underwent surgical treatment of right colon cancer by using lateral approach or combined lateral-central approach.

From January 2013 to December 2018, clinical data of 96 patients with right colon cancer were analyzed retrospectively, who were divided into combined lateral-central approach group (52 cases) and lateral approach group (44 cases). Data analysis was performed using statistical software SPSS22.0. Measurement data such as perioperative relevant indicators were expressed as (±s) and were examined by independent t test. The incidence of complications were examined by chi square test. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in combined lateral-central approach group were lower than those in lateral approach group (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in terms of the length of the resected specimens and the number of harvested lymph nodes between two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 7.7% in the combined lateral-central approach group and 13.6% in the lateral approach group, with no significant difference between two groups (χ² =0.9023, P>0.05). The postoperative temperature recovery time, postoperative exhaust time and hospitalization time of the patients in the combined lateral-central approach group were significantly shorter than those in the lateral approach group respectively (all P<0.05).

The combined lateral-central approach for the surgical treatment of right colon cancer could significantly shorten the operation time and reduce the intraoperative blood loss, without increased of complications. It is safe and feasible, and is beneficial to the recovery of patients. The combined lateral-central approach is worthy of clinical promotion.