LAPAROSCOPIC COLONIC SURGERY - FROM EXPER IMENTAL-STUDY TO INITIAL EXPERIENCE IN 6 PATIENTS

The technique of Laparoscopic resection of the colon sigmoideum was pr actised in an experimental model before starting a clinical program of laparoscopic colonic surgery. Until now, two resections of the colon sigmoideum, one ileocecal resection, one right colectomy, one Hartmann 's procedure and one transversostomy have been performed laparoscopica lly. Three patients had colonic carcinoma. One sigmoid resection had t o be converted to open surgery and this patient underwent relaparotomy because of postoperative ileus. The postoperative course of the other patients was uncomplicated. The promising initial experience demonstr ates that laparoscopic colonic surgery is feasible, although further s tudies have to prove advantages and indications, especially with respe ct to oncology.