LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED COLECTOMY

Background: The role and feasibility of laparoscopic assisted colectom y (LAG) in both benign and malignant disease of the colon are not clea r. We have reviewed our series in an effort to further delineate wheth er or not LAC is appropriate in the treatment of colonic disease. Meth ods: This is a retrospective view of a personal series focusing on fea sibility, cure of malignant disease, and length of stay (LOS). Results : One hundred and two LACs were completed out of 104 attempts (98%). T here were no wound or trocar implants in the Dukes A, B and C patients . Lymph node retrieval was similar in the laparoscopic and open histor ical controls, The LOS was 5.9 days in the LAC group as compared with 11 days in the open group. There was a 4.8% major morbidity rate and a 1% mortality rate in this series. Conclusions: LAC is technically fea sible in a high percent age of patients. While a definite statement re garding its use in malignant disease can not be ascertained from this review, the preliminary results are encouraging. A randomized trial co mparing open and LAC is warranted.