Gasless laparoscopically assisted colonic surgery

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic technique has been applied to a variety of colonic and rectal operations, generally using carbon dioxide insufflation (CDI), However, CDI is inevitably associated with cardiopulmonary loading and can cause complications. The objective of this study was to determine the feasi bility of gasless laparoscopic colonic surgery. METHODS: The abdominal wail was lifted up using an originally designed retr actor, A small incision, 3 to 5 cm in length, was made at the start of the operation. The surgeon operated through this incision using both convention al and laparoscopic instruments. RESULTS: Operations were undertaken in 67 patients. In 6 patients (9%), con version to open surgery was necessitated. In the remaining 61 patients, ope rations were completed with gasless laparoscopically assisted technique. Fo ur reoperations (7%) were performed because of postoperative bleeding, anas tomotic rotation, anastomotic stricture, and transmesenteric hernia. Fifty- three patients with colonic cancer were operated on with potentially curati ve intent. Of these, 1 (2%) developed hepatic recurrence during the mean fo llow-up period of 23.8 months, There was no port site recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless laparoscopic colonic surgery is technically feasible. CDI is not necessary to perform minimal access surgery. (C) 1999 by Excerpt a Medica, Inc.