Single-port laparoscopic diverting sigmoid colostomy.

BACKGROUND

Single-port laparoscopic surgery has been described for various colorectal conditions. Here, we report the first 4 single-port laparoscopic sigmoid colostomies for fecal diversion.

METHODS

A 1.5-cm-round incision was made on the skin at a previously marked colostomy site. A wound retractor was inserted and an access platform with four 5-mm trocars was attached to the wound retractor. The sigmoid colon was mobilized using electrocautery, laparoscopic scissors, or an advanced bipolar device. A standard Brooke colostomy was created through the initial skin incision.

RESULTS

Four elective single-port laparoscopic diverting colostomies were performed. Indications included obstructing colon and rectal cancers and intractable Crohn's proctitis. The average operative time was 73 minutes (range, 53-105), and blood loss was minimal (<50 mL). There were no intraoperative complications. Three of 4 patients received oral analgesia, and one patient received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia postoperatively. The average time to passage of flatus was 1 day. Diet was advanced either on the day of surgery or on postoperative day 1. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 15 days.

CONCLUSION

Single-port laparoscopic sigmoid colostomy is an effective technique that allows full intra-abdominal visualization and colonic mobilization while eliminating the need for additional skin incisions other than the colostomy site itself.