ROLE OF LAPAROSCOPY IN COLORECTAL SURGERY - A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF 200 CASES

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of laparoscopic-assisted surgery in patients presenting for routine co lorectal surgical procedures. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patient s were assessed for the possible use of laparoscopic surgery. The deci sion regarding suitability of the patient for the procedure was made b y the operator. For the purpose of analysis, patients were assigned to open, converted, and laparoscopic groups. RESULTS: Ninety-five ie of 200 patients were considered appropriate for laparoscopic surgery, 62 (65.3 percent) being successfully completed. These completed operation s included right colectomy (24/30), sigmoid colectomy (22/36), appende ctomy (9/10), anterior resection (3/8), abdominoperineal resection (3/ 5), and left colectomy (1/2). Complications attributable to laparoscop y were infrequent (6.3 percent) and were not responsible for any death s. Patients in the laparoscopic group required less analgesia, tolerat ed oral intake earlier, and were discharged from the hospital earlier than those who were converted or who had open procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted surgery is safe, effective, and applicable to m any of the standard colorectal procedures. Observed benefits include l ess postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay.