[Laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis: is learning phase associated with increased morbidity?]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery

Context:

• Diverticulitis management often requires surgical intervention, with sigmoid resection being a common procedure.
• Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as an alternative to traditional open laparotomy, potentially offering patient benefits.
• Assessing the learning curve and outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is crucial for widespread adoption.

Purpose:

• To retrospectively compare the outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy versus open laparotomy for diverticulitis.
• To evaluate the impact of surgeon experience on laparoscopic sigmoidectomy results, including conversion rates and morbidity.
• To analyze operative time, postoperative complications, intestinal transit recovery, and hospital stay.

Summary:

• Ninety patients undergoing elective sigmoid resection for diverticulitis were analyzed: 32 by laparotomy (Group 1) and 58 by laparoscopy (Groups 2 & 3).
• Postoperative morbidity significantly decreased in experienced laparoscopic cases (Group 3: 10%) compared to laparotomy (Group 1: 31%).
• Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy demonstrated shorter hospital stays and faster return of intestinal function compared to laparotomy.

Impact:

• Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is a feasible and beneficial approach for diverticulitis treatment.
• Increasing surgeon experience with laparoscopic sigmoidectomy leads to reduced conversion rates, operative times, and postoperative morbidity.
• These findings support the adoption of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, emphasizing the importance of surgical expertise.