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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
Single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: the learning curve.
Jacob R Hopping1, Ovunc Bardakcioglu
1Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
|August 9, 2013
Summary
Single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is safe and feasible, with a short learning curve for experienced surgeons. Operative times and complications significantly decreased after the initial 10 cases, demonstrating proficiency gains.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Single-port laparoscopic colectomy is an emerging technique in colorectal surgery.
- Initial reports suggest safety and feasibility, but the learning curve remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and learning curve of single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.
- To assess short-term and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing this procedure.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 20 patients underwent single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy between July 2009 and September 2010.
- Exclusion criterion was prior midline laparotomy; patients were followed for 30 days, with chart review up to 35 months.
Main Results:
- The median patient age was 65 years, with 90% males and significant comorbidities in 75%.
- One conversion to hand-assisted and one to open colectomy occurred. Median hospital stay was 4.5 days.
- Operative times decreased significantly from 198 minutes (first 10 patients) to 123 minutes (last 10 patients, P=.0001).
Conclusions:
- Single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is safe with low complication rates.
- The learning curve appears short, with improved operative times after approximately 10 cases.
- Further evaluation in larger studies is needed to determine broad applicability in colorectal surgery.
