Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease is as safe and effective as primary resection

The safety and short-term outcome of laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease was compared with the outcome following primary resection.

Between June 2002 and June 2010, 59 consecutive unselected patients (30 of whom had recurrent disease) underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection. Four primary resections and one revision were performed as a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) procedure.

There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade or the presence or absence of fistulating disease. The median operating time was significantly longer for the revision group (125 min vs 85 min; P < 0.001). The rate of conversion was 8.5%, morbidity was 20% and mortality was 0% (P = not significant between groups). Risk factors for conversion included a complex fistula, fibrosis and the need to carry out multiple stricturoplasty. Patients in whom surgery was converted had a longer hospital stay and a higher morbidity (40%). The median hospital stay was 3 days, the return to theatre rate was 5% and the re-admission rate was 5% (P = not significant between groups).

Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease is safe and can lead to significant short-term benefit, including earlier discharge. Conversion increases the length of stay in hospital and the overall morbidity.