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Laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomies have similar short-term results
Froukje J Hoogenboom1, Robbert J I Bosker, Henk Groen
1Department of Surgery, Medical Centre Leeuwarden and the Leeuwarden Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Leeuwarden, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Background:
Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) is a complex procedure. It is possible that short-term benefits for segmental resections cannot be attributed to this complex procedure. This study aims to assess differences in short-term results for laparoscopic versus open STC during a 15-year single-institute experience.
Methods:
We reviewed consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective or subacute STC from January 1997 to December 2012.
Results:
Fifty-six laparoscopic and 50 open STCs were performed. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, median 266 min (range 121-420 min), compared to 153 min (range 90-408 min) in the open group (p < 0.001). Median hospital stay showed no statistical difference, 14 days (range 1-129 days) in the laparoscopic and 13 days (range 1-85 days) in the open group. Between-group postoperative complications were not statistically different.
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic STC has short-term results similar to the open procedure, except for a longer operation time. The laparoscopic approach for STC is therefore only advisable in selected patients combined with extensive preoperative counseling.
