Elective laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for diverticular disease. A prospective study in 50 patients.

BACKGROUND

Although several recent reports described the different methods utilized for laparoscopic colon resection, only a few of them questioned whether the procedure is appropriate for the surgical treatment of diverticular disease. To assess this question, we performed a retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients operated using laparoscopic assistance to remove the sigmoid colon for diverticular disease.

METHOD: The surgical technique was a laparoscopically assisted procedure that included mobilization of the left colon and vascular ligation laparoscopically and then, via a small abdominal incision, division of the colon, removal of the specimen, and hand-sewn anastomosis.

RESULTS

The surgical goal was achieved in 46 cases, with a conversion rate of 8%. The mean operative time was 195 min (range 150-280 min). There was no mortality, and the morbidity rate was 14%. There were no complications directly related to the laparoscopic technique. The mean return of regular bowel habits was 3.2 days, and the median postoperative stay was 10 days.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results suggest that laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy can be used safely for the surgical treatment of diverticular disease.