Laparoscopic treatments for benign colonic disease and as palliative operations for advanced malignant disease have gained widespread acceptance as safe, efficacious, and beneficial treatment options. There are also strong indications that laparoscopic treatment for malignant colorectal disease is a viable alternative in selective patients. Further studies with substantial follow-up to determine the adequacy of resection and the comparability of cure rates are needed to assess any changes in the long-term staging and survival patterns of these treatments.