Comparison of efficiencies of three techniques for colon surgery

Purpose: To determine the most efficient technique for performing a colecto my, we used the methodology of time-motion analysis. Methods: The efficiency of five hand-assisted and six regular laparoscopic colectomies and one open colectomy, performed by four surgeons in three dif ferent hospitals, was measured. The open colectomy was analyzed as a refere nce procedure. Results and Conclusions: The hand-assisted laparoscopic technique was the m ost efficient. Hand-assisted laparoscopy was therefore less time consuming than laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery was the fastest technique, because the time for every surgical motion is a factor of three shorter than for th e two laparoscopic techniques.