USE OF LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES IN COLORECTAL SURGERY - PRELIMINARY-STUDY

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscop ic bowel surgery performed by colorectal surgeons not previously exper ienced in laparoscopic biliary or appendiceal surgery. METHODS: Thirty -two patients underwent ileocolic resection/anastomosis (n 12), loop i leostomy (n = 7), colostomy (n = 4), ileostomy takedown/ileorectal ana stomosis (n = 3), subtotal colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis (n = 2), s igmoid resection (n = 2), or other procedures (n = 2). No curative can cer surgery was undertaken. RESULTS: Time to first bowel movement was one to eight (median, four) days. Length of stay ranged from 4 to 11 ( median, 6) days. There were no major complications seen in follow-up f rom 6 to 15 (median, 7) months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Large intes tinal and distal ileal surgery using laparoscopic techniques, performe d by surgeons with training only in laparoscopic intestinal surgery, i s feasible and safe. Faster recovery and need for less postoperative a nalgesia in laparoscopic surgery compared with conventional surgery ca nnot be surmised from this study. A randomized study design is needed to evaluate many of the differences between conventional and laparosco pic intestinal surgery.