Laparoscopic Techniques for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Very little has been written concerning the use of laparoscopic techniques in inflammatory bowel disease. Its most useful indications appear to be in Crohn's disease, especially for intestinal diversions when severe perineal/perianal sepsis occurs. In this instance, avoidance of a laparotomy is a major advantage, and the simplicity of a laparoscopic stoma formation makes this a procedure that most surgeons may perform, even with minimal laparoscopic experience. Laparoscopic techniques may also be used for the limited resections required in Crohn's ileal or ileocolonic disease and for diagnostic purposes when indicated. The laparoscopic approach to the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (total abdominal colectomy, possibly with proctectomy and ileoanal pouch formation) remains to be evaluated before it can be contemplated as an alternative to conventional procedures.