Transverse incisions for resection of ileocolic Crohn's disease

Laparoscopic ileocecectomy is advocated as the ideal surgical approach for ileocecal Crohn's disease. Our experience suggests that equivalent outcomes are accomplished through a small right lower quadrant (RLQ) transverse incision in this patient population. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 39 patients undergoing ileocectomy for Crohn's disease using a RLQ transverse incision between 1991 and 2009. The mean operative time was 99 minutes with a mean length of hospital stay of 4.2 days and mean duration until return of bowel function of 2.9 days. There were no deaths or major complications. Long-term follow-up revealed four patients (13%) who required hospitalization for small bowel obstructions, one patient (3%) developed an incisional hernia, and no patients required an ileostomy. Ileocecectomy performed for Crohn's disease using a RLQ transverse incision yielded similar hospital lengths of stay and time to return of bowel function as those published for laparoscopic resection. This approach may result in shorter operative times when compared with the inexperienced surgeon performing a laparoscopic resection. Long-term follow-up revealed the risk for future RLQ ileostomy is low and the development of hernias or bowel obstruction is unlikely.