Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis: A prospective study in the elderly

Background/Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the fea sibility and the complications or benefits of laparoscopic colectomy for si gmoid diverticulitis in patients aged 75 years or more. Methodology: From January 1993 to December 1999, 85 patients underwent an e lective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis. Twenty-two patients over 75-y ears old (group 1) were compared to 63 younger patients (group 2). Results: In group 1, there were 12 women and 10 men, with a mean age of 77. 2 years (range: 75-82); In group 2, there were 35 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 53.7 years (range: 38-74) (P=1.10-14). The operative time was s horter in group 2 (183 vs. 234min). There was no difference between the 2 g roups with regard to the postoperative period during which parenteral analg esics were required (5.4 vs. 5.2 days, P=0.48) and the postoperative morbid ity (18% vs. 14%, P=0.06). Postoperative length of hospital stay (13.1 vs. 8.8 days, P=0.003) was shorter in group 2 than in group 1. There was no per ioperative mortality. Conversion rate was 9% (group 1) and 6% (group 2) (P= 0.6). Conclusions: In summary, data from the present study suggest that laparosco pic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to older pat ients with fewer complications, less pain, shorter hospital stay and a rapi d return to preoperative activity levels.