Care of the laparoscopic colectomy patient

Laparoscopic bowel surgery has demonstrated patient care benefits of decreased duration of hospital stay, smaller incisions, lower risk of cardiopulmonary complications, and reduced risk of small-bowel obstruction. Resection of complicated diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease can be technically challenging and may be associated with higher conversion rates. The applicability of these techniques to colon cancer is supported by a growing body of evidence that demonstrates similar survival and recurrence rates obtained by open resection and the exaggeration of the risk of port site recurrences. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has also challenged much of the standard postoperative care plans used for colectomy. Optimal postoperative care of the laparoscopic colectomy patient requires an appreciation of the faster recovery enjoyed by these patients and the fact that ambulation and dietary advancement need to be accelerated. Coordination between the surgical team and the postoperative care team is essential to obtain all the benefits associated with this new approach to the management of colorectal disease.