LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED COLECTOMIES VERSUS OPEN COLECTOMY

Minimally invasive techniques are having an impact on a variety of sur gical procedures. Before their widespread acceptance as the standard o f care, studies need to document their efficacy in comparison to open techniques. This study compared 25 laparoscopic-assisted colectomies t o 25 open colectomies all performed within the last five years by the same surgeon. In terms of adequacy of resection, laparoscopic assisted colectomy compared favorably with open colectomy in both length of re section (15.7 cm vs 19.3 cm) and average number of nodes (6 vs 10). In addition to lessening patient discomfort, the other advantages were e arlier return of bowel function (regular diet postoperative day 2 vs p ostoperative day 5) and shorter length of stay (4 vs 8 days). Operatin g costs were significantly greater, but this was offset by the shorter length of stay. This study supports laparoscopic assisted colectomy a s a technically safe procedure with substantial patient benefits.