LAPAROSCOPIC COLON RESECTION - 60 CASES

The first 60 successfully completed laparoscopic colectomies in our se ries are reported. Patients used moderate amounts of narcotic postoper atively, tolerated oral intake early postoperatively (mean, 1.5 days), and returned to work 2.5 weeks postoperatively. Mean blood loss was 1 27 cc. Morbidity (11.6%) and mortality (1.6%) were acceptable. Length of stay, complications, and operating time all decreased with experien ce suggesting a steep learning curve.