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Incidence of colectomy during long-term follow-up after cyclosporine-induced remission of severe ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cyclosporine (CSA) has been shown to be effective in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) and as an alternative to glucocorticosteroids in patients with severe attacks of UC. Our aim was to investigate the long-term efficacy of CSA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to our institution with an attack of UC treated with intravenous CSA between November 1992 and October 2004. Patients who responded to intravenous CSA were switched to Neoral for 3 months. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis with quantitative variables compared using a 2-tailed Student t test with qualitative variables and differences compared with a chi(2) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 118 (83%) of the 142 patients had an initial response to CSA and avoided colectomy during hospitalization. Of the 118 patients, 41 (35%) [corrected] required a future colectomy. The rate of colectomy in those already on azathioprine compared with those starting azathioprine concurrently with CSA was 59% vs 31%, respectively (P < .05). Also, 88% of patients already on azathioprine and requiring colectomy underwent surgery within the first year of receiving CSA. Life-table analysis shows that although only 33% of patients require colectomy at 1 year, 88% will require colectomy at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: CSA is an effective short- to medium-term treatment for patients with severe UC but at 7 years, 88% of patients will require a colectomy. Azathioprine-naive patients have better outcomes.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of laparoscopically assisted and open colectomy for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive, laparoscopically assisted surgery was first considered in 1990 for patients undergoing colectomy for cancer. Concern that this approach would compromise survival by failing to achieve a proper oncologic resection or adequate staging or by altering patterns of recurrence (based on frequent reports of tumor recurrences within surgical wounds) prompted a controlled trial evaluation. METHODS: We conducted a noninferiority trial at 48 institutions and randomly assigned 872 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon to undergo open or laparoscopically assisted colectomy performed by credentialed surgeons. The median follow-up was 4.4 years. The primary end point was the time to tumor recurrence. RESULTS: At three years, the rates of recurrence were similar in the two groups--16 percent among patients in the group that underwent laparoscopically assisted surgery and 18 percent among patients in the open-colectomy group (two-sided P=0.32; hazard ratio for recurrence, 0.86; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.63 to 1.17). Recurrence rates in surgical wounds were less than 1 percent in both groups (P=0.50). The overall survival rate at three years was also very similar in the two groups (86 percent in the laparoscopic-surgery group and 85 percent in the open-colectomy group; P=0.51; hazard ratio for death in the laparoscopic-surgery group, 0.91; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.68 to 1.21), with no significant difference between groups in the time to recurrence or overall survival for patients with any stage of cancer. Perioperative recovery was faster in the laparoscopic-surgery group than in the open-colectomy group, as reflected by a shorter median hospital stay (five days vs. six days, P<0.001) and briefer use of parenteral narcotics (three days vs. four days, P<0.001) and oral analgesics (one day vs. two days, P=0.02). The rates of intraoperative complications, 30-day postoperative mortality, complications at discharge and 60 days, hospital readmission, and reoperation were very similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-institutional study, the rates of recurrent cancer were similar after laparoscopically assisted colectomy and open colectomy, suggesting that the laparoscopic approach is an acceptable alternative to open surgery for colon cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effect of colectomy on cholecystokinin and gastrin release.

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of resection of the colon on the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin. A standard food stimulation test was performed in five dogs. Peripheral blood samples were collected for future measurement of CCK and gastrin by specific radioimmunoassay. Each dog underwent subtotal colectomy with side-to-end ileoproctostomy. The food stimulation test was repeated at approximately weekly intervals for eight weeks after colectomy. Basal plasma CCK levels of 139 +/- 21 pg/ml before colectomy did not change after colectomy. Total amount CCK released after food was increased significantly at both four (5.94 +/- 0.78 ng min/ml) and eight (13.00 +/- 2.72 ng min/ml) weeks after colectomy in comparison with that observed prior to colectomy (2.94 +/- 0.54 ng min/ml). Basal serum gastrin levels of 28 +/- 9 pg/ml did not change significantly after colectomy. Total amount of gastrin released after food was increased significantly at both two (8651 +/- 2294 pg min/ml) and three (6940 +/- 1426 pg min/ml) weeks after operation, but at none of the later weeks. The precolectomy output, used for comparison, was 5608 +/- 1346 pg min/ml. It was concluded that resection of the colon leads to an increase in release of CCK and gastrin after food stimulation. This finding provides further evidence that the colon contains a factor that inhibits the release of CCK and gastrin, and that the colon functions as an endocrine organ.

Animals↗

Rectal cancer risk in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer after abdominal colectomy. International Collaborative Group on HNPCC.

OBJECTIVE: The authors analyzed the incidence of rectal cancer in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) after an abdominal colectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The treatment of choice for a newly diagnosed patient with HNPCC with colon cancer is an abdominal colectomy. The incidence of rectal cancer after abdominal colectomy in HNPCC is not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to all International Collaborative Group on HNPCC members to identify patients in whom rectal cancer developed after total, subtotal or completion colectomy. Statistics were performed using the log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Rectal cancer developed in 8 (11%) of 71 patients a median of 158 months (range, 38-282 months) from their primary procedure. Of these eight patients, adenomas in the rectal mucosa developed in five at risk either before (4) or synchronous (1) with the diagnosis of rectal cancer. At the time of diagnosis of rectal cancer, six of eight patients were being observed. Age at first procedure and whether the patient was under surveillance were the only significant variables (p < 0.05) in the multivariate analysis in terms of rectal cancer risk. The risk of developing rectal cancer was estimated to be 3% every 3 years after abdominal colectomy for the first 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of rectal cancer in patients with HNPCC after an abdominal colectomy is approximately 12% at 12 years. Age at first surgical procedure and surveillance correlated with rectal cancer risk. Aggressive endoscopic surveillance of the rectum should be performed after abdominal colectomy.

Abdomen↗

Long-term results of subtotal colectomy and evidence of noncolonic involvement in patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic idiopathic constipation can be difficult to manage either medically or surgically. We report our experience of long-term follow-up of 21 patients who had undergone colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for difficult chronic idiopathic constipation. METHODS: The patients (19 female, 2 male) were aged 26-68 (median = 46) years and had undergone subtotal colectomy 5-12 (median = 8) years before their assessment. They answered a questionnaire about severity of abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, and straining. They also completed the hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire. Fifteen ulcerative colitis patients with panproctocolectomy and 13 colon cancer patients with colonic resection who had a similar follow-up period served as control groups. The following assessments were performed in chronic idiopathic constipation patients with subtotal colectomy: a) oesophageal manometry; b) scintigraphic gastric emptying test; c) review of barium follow-through; d) glucose H2 breath test; e) urodynamic studies; and f) autonomic function tests. RESULTS: Twenty-four per cent of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation had a family history of difficult constipation requiring hospital investigations and treatment. At the time of assessment abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, and straining at defecation were all significantly more frequent in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation with colectomy than in the control groups with colectomy. Seventy-one per cent of chronic idiopathic constipation patients had at least one episode of intestinal obstruction after subtotal colectomy, which is significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the control groups (ulcerative colitis, 13%; colonic carcinoma, 8%). In patients with chronic idiopathic constipation, among those studied, 68% had some oesophageal motor dysfunction: 19% delayed gastric emptying; 10%, prolonged small-bowel transit on barium follow-through; 54%, abnormal urodynamic variables; and 14%, abnormal autonomic function tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows considerable morbidity in a selected cohort of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation who were sufficiently disabled by their symptoms to undergo subtotal colectomy. They had more abdominal and rectal symptoms and more frequent intestinal obstructive episodes than control groups with colonic resection. Evidence of generalized smooth-muscle dysfunction and familial occurrence of constipation suggests a primary chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction-like disorder in some of these patients.

Case-Control Studies↗

Controversies regarding laparoscopic colectomy for malignant diseases.

Surgical investigators have shown that a hemicolectomy can be done laparoscopically. This minimally invasive approach to treat colon cancer potentially reduces hospitalization time, hastens return to normal activity, and reduces health care costs. Hopefully, all of these favorable outcomes can be achieved without compromising cancer control. At present, however, the issues regarding laparoscopic colectomy are not clear, and prospective studies are necessary to validate that this new procedure is superior to open colectomy. Because cancer control might be compromised by this new procedure, laparoscopic colectomy should not be accepted by the surgical community because of the allure of new technology or the hope that it is equivalent to open colectomy in controlling a curable disease. Rather, a randomized trial of laparoscopic colectomy compared with open colectomy is needed to prove that cancer control is not different and that laparoscopic colectomy is cost-effective.

Colectomy↗

Minimally invasive colectomy in elderly patients.

The safety of minimally invasive colectomy (laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted colectomy) has not been evaluated in the elderly patient. Therefore, a prospective study of the outcome of minimally invasive colectomy (MIC) in patients aged 65 years or older was undertaken. Between October 1991 and September 1993, 103 elderly patients underwent attempted MIC (right colectomy, 53; left colectomy, sigmoid colectomy, or anterior resection, 36; abdominoperineal resection, 12; and total proctocolectomy with ileostomy, 2); 81 procedures were successfully completed. Complications occurred in 23% of patients converted to laparotomy (including one death) and in 25% undergoing successful MIC (two deaths, p = ns). The average length of postoperative stay was 5.3 days in the MIC group and 8.1 days for patients converted to laparotomy (p < 0.001). These results compare favorably with published results of traditional colectomy for elderly patients. We conclude that MIC is safe in the elderly patient and that further studies are warranted.

Adenomatous Polyps↗

Factors influencing bowel function following total abdominal colectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine which factors influenced bowel function following total abdominal colectomy. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who had undergone total abdominal colectomy were studied with regard to factors that are classically thought to influence bowel function, namely, residual stump length, transit time, and rectal stump manometry. In a limited subset of patients, anal manometry was done also. RESULTS: Transit time was the best predictor of bowel function following total abdominal colectomy. This was followed by stump length. If transit time was short, then stump length became important in predicting the occurrence of diarrhea following total abdominal colectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Two factors have an important influence on bowel function following total abdominal colectomy: transit time and rectal stump length. Rectal stump length is an anatomic factor that can be controlled by the surgeon. In total abdominal colectomy, rectal stump length of at least 20 cm is necessary if the patient is to have satisfactory postoperative bowel function. This may not always be possible. In these patients, modification of diet to influence transit time and methods to increase rectal compliance will be necessary.

Colectomy↗

Defining the role of laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy for the treatment of diverticulitis. METHODS: The Norfolk Surgical Group Laparoscopic Surgery Registry identified all patients undergoing laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery. Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients undergoing elective sigmoid resection for a final diagnosis of diverticulitis and minimum follow-up of 12 months. Demographic data, indications for surgery, operative data, conversion rate, reason for conversion, complications, postoperative course (days to flatus and regular diet), and length of stay were identified. A telephone survey determined the incidence of recurrent diverticulitis. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the frequency of conversion over time, to determine risk factors for conversion, and to compare the laparoscopic-assisted and conversion groups with regard to postoperative days to flatus, regular diet, and discharge. RESULTS: From June 1992 to September 1997, elective laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy was attempted in 69 patients. Uncomplicated recurrent diverticulitis was the most common indication for surgery, occurring in 51 of 69 patients (75 percent). No deaths occurred. Complications were identified in seven patients (10.1 percent) including one wound infection and one incarcerated port-site hernia with small bowel obstruction. There were no anastomotic leaks or major septic complications. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 18 of 69 patients (26 percent). Uncomplicated, recurrent diverticulitis was associated with conversion in 7 of 51 patients (14 percent), whereas complicated diverticulitis required conversion in 11 of 18 patients (61 percent). Logistic regression identified fistula and abscess as predictors of conversion (P = 0.0009). Comparison of the laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy group with the conversion group revealed that postoperative days to regular diet were 3.5 and 5.2 (P = 0.0004), respectively, and lengths of stay were 4.2 and 6.4 days (P < 0.0001), respectively. No difference was noted with regard to operative time or postoperative complications. Median follow-up was 48 (range, 13-76) months, and a single recurrence of diverticulitis has been identified. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis can be safely performed. Conversion appears to be associated with complicated diverticulitis (fistula or abscess), which may be better approached by laparotomy. Short-term follow-up indicates that recurrence is rare and suggests that laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy achieves adequate resection. Laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy offers benefits of decreased ileus and length of stay and may represent the procedure of choice for elective resection for uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic colectomy without mechanical bowel preparation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical bowel preparation prior to colorectal surgery may reduce infectious complications, facilitate tumor localization, and allow intraoperative colonoscopy, if required. However, recent data suggest that mechanical bowel preparation may not facilitate a reduction in infectious complications. During laparoscopic colectomy, manual palpation is blunt, thereby potentially compromising tumor localization. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of mechanical bowel preparation in laparoscopic colectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who had preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (Group A) or those who did not (Group B). All relevant perioperative data were reviewed and compared. RESULTS: Two hundred patients underwent laparoscopic colectomy; 68 (34%) were in Group A and 132 (66%) were in Group B. Sixteen (8%) patients required intraoperative colonoscopy for localization and were evenly distributed between the two groups. The incidence of conversion to laparotomy was slightly higher in Group B (14 vs 9%) due to difficult localization in some cases; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the two groups. Specifically, an anastomotic leak and a wound infection were recorded in 4 and 12% of patients in Group A compared to 3 and 17% in Group B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colectomy may be safely performed without preoperative mechanical bowel preparation, although difficult localization may lead to a slightly higher conversion rate. Appropriate patient selection for laparoscopic colectomy without mechanical bowel preparation is essential. Furthermore, bowel preparation should be considered in cases of small and nonpalpable lesions.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic colectomy for colon adenocarcinoma: an 11-year retrospective review with 5-year survival rates.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colectomy for the management of colon cancer remains a controversial therapeutic option, especially when the outcomes are compared with the historically accepted survival data and recurrence rates after open surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates after laparoscopic colon resection for invasive colon adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 129 patients underwent consecutive laparoscopic colectomies for colon adenocarcinoma (between April 1992 and 2004 January) by a single surgeon at a single institution. Records were analyzed retrospectively and follow-up data was obtained. The Student t-test, Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival data were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After patients with noninvasive disease on final pathology were excluded, the study population comprised 88 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomies for invasive colon cancer with > 2 years of follow-up. Of these cases, 81 (93%) were amenable for complete follow-up at 11years (41 women and 40 men; mean age, 76 years). Mean follow-up was 61 months. There was one perioperative death (1.2%), and the overall postoperative morbidity rate was 13.6%. The average number of lymph nodes harvested was 10.1 (+/-6). There were no port site recurrences. The Kaplan-Meier survival data were as follows for 5-year overall survival and 5-year disease-free survival, respectively stage I (n = 34) 89% and 89%; stage II (n = 22), 65% and 59%; stage III (n = 19), 72% and 67%; stages I-III combined, (n = 75), 77% and 73%. CONCLUSIONS: For this specific cohort of patients undergoing curative laparoscopic colectomies for invasive colon adenocarcinoma, the mean follow-up was > 5 years. Overall survival and disease-free survival for stage I, II, and III colon cancer as well as for stages I-III combined are favorable and comparable to historically acceptable open colectomy survival rates. Overall survival and disease-free survival after laparoscopic colectomy for invasive colon cancer is no worse, and perhaps better than, the previously reported rates for the same procedure done by an open technique.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Diagnosis-related group assignment in laparoscopic and open colectomy: financial implications for payer and provider.

PURPOSE: In carefully matched patients, the length of hospital stay after laparoscopic colectomy is shorter than after open surgery. Higher operating room costs for laparoscopic surgery are offset by lower costs for hospitalization because of less utilization of pharmacy, laboratory, and nursing services. Clinical outcome is comparable. We examined the effect of the surgical approach for colectomy (open vs. laparoscopic) regarding the reasons for disease-related group assignment to disease-related group 148, and institutional cost under Part A of the U.S. Medicare system. METHODS: Colectomy patients were assigned to either disease-related group 148 (colorectal resection with complications) or disease-related group 149 (colorectal resection without complications) with significant institutional reimbursement implications (disease-related group 149, US 8,310 dollars; disease-related group 148, US 20,291 dollars). A total of 100 consecutive disease-related group 148 patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy from July 2000 to September 2002 were identified from a prospective database and case-matched with 100 patients undergoing open colectomy. Patients were matched for gender, age, operative procedure, and pathology. A certified coder determined the reason(s) for disease-related group 148 assignment, which were grouped into: preoperative comorbidity, a combination of preoperative comorbidity/postoperative complications, or postoperative complications alone. RESULTS: Significantly more lapararoscopy patients were assigned to disease-related group 148 solely because of preoperative comorbidities (62 percent vs. 21 percent; P < 0.0001). Significantly more patients in the open surgery group were classified as disease-related group 148 solely because of postoperative complications (22 percent vs. 42 percent; P < 0.0001). An additional group of patients were assigned to the disease-related group 148 category based on a combination of preoperative and postoperative diagnoses (16 percent vs. 37 percent). The mean direct hospital costs were significantly less for laparoscopy patients (US 3971 dollars vs. US 5997 dollars; P = 0.0095). Increased cost to Part A of Medicare for 20 open surgery patients who "migrated" to disease-related group 148 because of postoperative complications was US 239,620 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: Our data are the first to demonstrate that disease related group assignment can change solely because of a differential rate of postoperative complications for two competing operative techniques. This change occurred at twice the rate for open colectomy and resulted in significantly increased cost to the insurer under a prospective payment program. The savings to the institution coupled with the shortened length of stay offset the potential loss in revenue to the institution.

Colectomy↗

Ileojejunal transposition delays gastric emptying and decreases fecal water content in dogs with total colectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ileojejunal transposition, in which the distal ileum is interposed isoperistaltically into the proximal jejunum, on gastric emptying, gastrointestinal motility, and fecal water content in dogs with total colectomy. METHODS: Dogs were divided into three groups: dogs with intact colons (control), total colectomy alone (sham operated group), or total colectomy and ileojejunal transposition group. The alimentary tract was reconstructed by ileal J-pouch-rectal anastomosis. Gastric emptying was measured by a validated freeze-drying method, and gastrointestinal motility was measured by strain gauge force transducers. Plasma peptide YY was measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Fecal water content was measured in dogs with total colectomy. RESULTS: Gastric emptying of solids in the ileojejunal transposition group was delayed longer than 120 minutes after meal ingestion compared with that in the sham operated group. The duration of the digestive state was prolonged in the ileojejunal transposition group, only when compared with the control group. Plasma peptide YY was increased in the ileojejunal transposition group compared with the sham operated group. Fecal water content was decreased in the ileojejunal transposition group compared with the sham operated group. CONCLUSIONS: Ileojejunal transposition delays gastric emptying of solids and decreases fecal water content in dogs with total colectomy, indicating that ileojejunal transposition might be able to improve intractable watery diarrhea after total colectomy.

Animals↗

Feasibility of colectomy with mini-incision.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection has been advocated as a method of colectomy for various colon and rectal disease. One advantage claimed by laparoscopy is its smaller incision size. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether mini-incision is feasible along with the advantage of adequate exploration of the peritoneal cavity. METHODS: From December 2000 to November 2003, 316 patients with various colorectal diseases receiving colectomies through a skin incision less than 7 cm were analyzed. All of the colectomies were performed by a single surgeon. Exploration of the entire peritoneal cavity was possible for all the cases. There were 153 men and 163 women. Ages ranged from 19 to 90 years, averaging 62.4 years. Two hundred ninety-five patients were operated on for carcinoma of the colon or rectum; 4 had operations for villous tumors with severe dysplasia; 3 each for radiation enterocolitis and diverticulitis; 2 each for malignant stromal tumor and rectal prolapse; and 1 each for lymphoma, actinomycosis, volvulus, angiodysplasia, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and ovarian cancer with rectal invasion. There were 15 abdominoperineal resections, 97 low anterior resection, 49 anterior resections, 64 sigmoidectomies, 7 left hemicolectomies, 81 right hemicolectomies, 2 subtotal colectomies, and 1 restorative proctocolectomy. No Harmonic scalpel or laser was used during surgery. No hand-port or laparoscope was used in the series. RESULTS: Five patients died of acute respiratory failure, 2 patients died of terminal cancer, and 1 patient died of hypoglycemia due to poor control of diabetes mellitus. Complications included 11 urinary tract infections, 8 intestinal obstructions, 6 anastomotic leakages, 6 wound infections, 5 respiratory failures, 5 pelvic bleedings, 2 pneumonias, 2 gastrointestinal bleedings, and 1 pancreatitis. Small incisions did not prolong operation time. CONCLUSION: This experience suggests that the majority of colectomies can be accomplished by an incision of less than 7 cm, which is no larger than the incision size used in a laparoscope colectomy if multiple incisions made for trocars are added to the main incision length. The advantages of mini-incision include lower cost, faster completion of procedure, reduced bulkiness of equipment, and the possibility of exploring the entire peritoneal cavity by hand without loss of tactile sensation.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy: surgical techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our surgical techniques for successful completion of laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy. DESIGN: We reviewed the important preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors that should be considered for laparoscopic resection of the right, left, and sigmoid colon. RESULTS: The current indications for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy include most benign colonic conditions (such as colorectal polyps, rectal prolapse, diverticular disease, and colonic lipomas). Laparoscopic procedures for malignant disease, however, are currently reserved for prospective trials and palliation of patients with stage IV colonic cancer because the adequacy of staging and lymphatic resection remains questionable. Patients who are appropriate candidates for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy should be counseled about the potential benefits, risks, and possible need for conversion to an open surgical procedure--a decision that should be considered application of sound surgical judgment rather than a failure. For laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, we prefer to use the closed technique for establishing a pneumoperitoneum. We use a two-surgeon, four-cannula approach for resections of the right and left colon and a three-surgeon, five-cannula technique for resections of the sigmoid colon. Laparoscopic techniques are used to mobilize the bowel and divide the principal blood supply; the resection and anastomosis are performed extracorporeally, with use of a small incision. CONCLUSION: The associated morbidity and mortality rates are comparable to those for conventional open procedures. Despite a shortened period of ileus and fewer hospital days, the total costs for laparoscopic colectomy have been equivalent to those for standard colectomy. This result has generally been due to longer operative times, which should decrease with additional experience.

Colectomy↗

Laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy: early Mayo Clinic experience.

OBJECTIVE: To present a large initial series of patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy and to assess the feasibility and safety of this procedure. DESIGN: We summarized the clinical outcome data for 122 Mayo Clinic patients selected for laparoscopic-assisted resection of the right, left, or sigmoid colon between 1991 and 1993. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preexisting factors (such as obesity and prior abdominal operations), indications for surgical treatment, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed statistically in two groups of patients--those in whom the laparoscopic procedure was completed and those in whom conversion to an open surgical technique was necessary. RESULTS: Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy was successfully completed for a variety of colonic pathologic conditions, including polyps, cancer, and diverticulitis. No operative deaths occurred in this series, and the overall complication rate was low (11%). Patients in whom laparoscopic-assisted colectomy was completed had a more rapid return of bowel function and a briefer hospital stay than did those who required conversion to the traditional open surgical technique. Neither obesity nor previous abdominal surgical procedures precluded successful laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, although the conversion rate to open colectomy was 75% in patients whose weight exceeded 90 kg. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy is safe and feasible, and the procedure may offer patient-related advantages. Oncologic concerns, including recent reports of trocar site recurrences, suggest a cautious approach to its application for resection of colonic cancer.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic colectomy shortens postoperative ileus in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: Proponents of laparoscopic colectomy claim a more rapid return of gastrointestinal function, but objective data supporting this contention are lacking. Our aim was to compare the duration of delay in gastrointestinal transit after total laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, and open colonic resection. METHODS: Thirty-nine female dogs were assigned to three groups: group 1, laparoscopic colectomy; group 2, laparoscopic-assisted colectomy; and group 3, open colectomy. Transit studies were performed before operation and on days 1, 2, 3, and 5 after a mid-descending colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis. Gastric emptying of liquids and small bowel transit of liquids were determined by means of radionuclide techniques. Gastric emptying of solids and colonic transit were measured by following transit of radiopaque spheres instilled into the stomach and proximal colon, respectively. RESULTS: With each dog as its own control, gastric emptying returned to preoperative values by 2 days in group 1, 3 days in group 2, and 5 days in group 3. Small bowel transit returned to preoperative values on day 3 for groups 1 and 2 and on day 5 for group 3. Gastric emptying of solids and colonic transit returned to preoperative values on day 3 for group 1 and on day 5 for groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: These observations show that laparoscopic resection techniques in this canine model resulted in a more rapid return to normal gastrointestinal transit compared with open colectomy.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic colectomy for cancer: an oncologic feasible option.

The conventional and accepted treatment for curative resection of colon cancer is laparotomy with hemicolectomy for right or left sided lesions. The technique of colon resection through an open laparotomy incision is well known. Over the past several years, laparoscopically assisted colectomy has been developed and studied, following the explosion of laparoscopic technology from the cholecystectomy experience and with acquisition of advanced general laparoscopic techniques. The right, left or sigmoid colon can be mobilized and regional lymphadenectomy performed using laparoscopic instruments and video-imaging equipment. The advantage of laparoscopic colectomy is the use of small abdominal port site and wound incisions which translate to reduced postoperative pain and analgesic requirement, earlier return of bowel function and normal physical activities, and shorter hospital stay without increasing health care costs. Laparoscopic colectomy compares favorably with open colectomy in terms of surgical morbidity and mortality. The laparoscopic approach has been shown to be technically and oncologically feasible with equivalent lymph node harvest from mesenteric lymphadenectomy and achieves adequate proximal and distal margins of colonic resection. Despite initial early anecdotal reports of port site cancer recurrence in laparoscopically assisted colectomy, port site recurrence is rare and its incidence is similar to incisional recurrences in conventional open colectomy. Recent prospective comparative studies have demonstrated equivalent patient survival and equivalent local or distant colon cancer recurrences for open versus laparoscopic curative resection of colon cancer.

Colectomy↗