Single-incision laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy for refractory ulcerative colitis.

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Colorectal surgery

Background:

• Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is standard for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC).
• Laparoscopic surgery offers advantages over open procedures.
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is an emerging, scarless approach for total abdominal colectomy (TAC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of SILS for TAC in patients with medically refractory UC.
• To assess short-term outcomes of this minimally invasive technique.

Main Methods:

• Nine patients with medically refractory UC underwent SILS TAC.
• The procedure was performed through a single abdominal incision.
• Patients were selected based on body habitus and absence of comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Mean operative time was 142 minutes with estimated blood loss of 108 ml.
• No intraoperative complications or conversions were reported.
• Uneventful postoperative course with early return of bowel function and short hospital stay (5.2 days).

Conclusions:

• SILS TAC is a safe and feasible approach for refractory UC.
• Initial results indicate potential for improved short-term outcomes in selected patients.