Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery using GelPort.

BACKGROUND

An easily usable hand access device will optimize success in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). The authors describe their initial series of HALS colorectal resections using GelPort to evaluate their current technique and results with this new device.

METHODS

A retrospective study investigated 33 HALS colorectal procedures including total colectomy ( n = 16) and low anterior resection ( n = 10). All operative data, including intraoperative GelPort performance, were prospectively recorded and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, 3 (9.1%) of 33 HALS procedures were converted to open surgery, and 4 (13.3%) of 30 HALS procedures required minimal enlargement of incisions to facilitate extracorporeal procedures. The operative time was 263 +/- 85 min, and the blood loss was 282 +/- 148 ml. There were no device malfunctions. Three major complications (9.1%) and 7 minor wound infections (21%) were noted postoperatively. The mean hospital stay was 7.9 +/- 3.8 days.

CONCLUSION

When performed with GelPort, HALS is safely and reliably applicable for various colorectal procedures.