[Laparoscopic colorectal resections: indications, surgical technique and outcome in 410 prospective cases]

From April 1993 to August 1997 410 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for colon and rectal diseases. In the beginning we only operated on patients with benign disorders. Since July 1995 colorectal malignancies have also been resected. A total of 181 patients (47.6%) with benign colorectal diseases were operated on; 116 patients (31%) had diverticulosis, diverticulitis or benign tumor; 26 with rectal prolapse were resected in MIS-technique. In all, 199 patients were treated for colorectal malignancies, 171 (85.9%) with curative intention.

Mean operation time was between 60 and 520 min. After 40 operations the learning curve had reduced the operation time significantly. Severe complications appeared in 4.7% of all cases.