Laparoscopic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

The objective was to evaluate the reliability and safety of laparoscopic il eocolic resection for Crohn's disease. Patients and methods: From June 1995 to February 1999, 40 patients underwent a laparoscopic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease. Fistulizing disease, phlegmons and patients with prev ious laparotomy were excluded. Early morbidity, postoperative comfort and c linical recurrence were rates evaluated. Results: No intra-operative incide nt or conversion occurred. Mean operating time was 163 min. Complications o ccurred in three patients: 1 pelvic hematoma with superinfection, 1 protrac ted ileus (7 days), 1 venous thrombosis. Opiate analgesics were used for a mean period of 3.1 days. Delay before bowel movements was 3.2 days. Post-op erative hospital stay was 8 days. Mean size of the wound was 4.1 cm. Twelve patients (30%) developped long-term clinical recurrence; the mean disease- free interval was 10 months. No patient required secondary re-operation. Co nclusion: laparoscopic ileocolic resection was reliable and safe in the tre atment of Crohn's ileal strictures. The possible role of this method in the treatment of fistulizing disease or recurrences has to be evaluated.