Total colectomy combined laparoscopy

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery have been reported to result in an e arlier recovery of the bower movement, compared with conventional procedure s. We describe 12 prospective cases of - total colectomy combined laparosco py for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis, conducted bet ween July 1994 and December 1998. No intra-operative complications were enc ountered in this series. The mean operative time was 282 min (range, 169 - 420 min) and the mean volume of operative blood loss was 321mL (range, 52-7 28 mL). Nasogastric tubes were removed after 1.2 postoperative days and the mean time to passage of stool was 1.9 days (range, 1-3 days). Total colect omy combined laparoscopy proved to be a one-stage restorative procedure, wi thout a temporary ileostoma, due to early recovery of the intestine.