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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Caudal-to-cranial Approach in Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy with Complete Mesocolon Excision and D3 Lymph Node Dissection
Published on: January 9, 2026
23-hour-stay laparoscopic colectomy
B F Levy1, M J P Scott, W J Fawcett
1Department of Surgery, Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, Post Graduate Medical School, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom. brucelevy22@hotmail.com
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|July 3, 2009
Summary
A 23-hour hospital stay for laparoscopic colectomy is safe and acceptable for patients. This enhanced recovery pathway allows for rapid discharge with no complications or readmissions.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Enhanced Recovery Programs
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Enhanced recovery programs (ERP) combined with laparoscopic colorectal surgery have led to shorter hospital stays.
- Assessing the feasibility of an ultra-short, 23-hour hospital stay protocol is crucial for optimizing patient recovery pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and patient acceptability of a 23-hour hospital stay protocol for laparoscopic colectomy.
- To determine if modifications to enhanced recovery programs can support same-day discharge after colectomy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection.
- Implementation of a specific preoperative, anesthetic, and postoperative protocol.
- Discharge at 23 hours post-surgery with telephone and outpatient follow-up.
Main Results:
- All ten participating patients were discharged within 23 hours.
- No complications or hospital readmissions were reported.
- All patients expressed satisfaction and willingness to repeat the pathway.
Conclusions:
- A 23-hour hospital stay following laparoscopic colectomy is feasible with adjusted enhanced recovery protocols.
- The protocol is safe and acceptable to patients, indicating potential for widespread adoption.
