A multicenter retrospective study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy in colon and rectal surgery. To minimize potential bias in interpretation of the results, all data were registered with an independent observer, who did not participate in any of the surgical procedures. Sixty-six patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Operations performed included sigmoid colectomy (19), right hemicolectomy (15), low anterior resection (6), colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) (5), and abdominoperineal resection (APR) (3). The conversion rate from laparoscopic colectomy to celiotomy was 41 percent. Major morbidity and mortality were 24 percent and 0 percent, respectively. Length of stay, hospital costs, and lymph node harvest were compared between the sigmoid resection and right hemicolectomy subgroups. Data from traditional sigmoid colectomies and right hemicolectomies were obtained from the same institutions for comparison. Mean postoperative stay for laparoscopically completed sigmoid and right colectomies was significantly less than that for either the converted or the traditional groups (P < 0.02). Total hospital cost for traditional right hemicolectomy was significantly less than that for the converted group (P < 0.05) but not the laparoscopic group. Laparoscopic sigmoid resection showed no significant total hospital cost difference among traditional, converted, and laparoscopic groups. Lymph node harvest in resections for carcinoma was comparable in all groups. These preliminary data suggest that laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality when performed by trained surgeons. Length of stay is shorter, but there is no proven total hospital cost benefit. Appropriate registries will be necessary to adequately assess long-term outcome.