[Laparoscopic sigmoid resection].

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery not only presupposes knowledge in conventional surgery of the large bowel but also requires extensive experience in laparoscopic techniques. Furthermore every individual of the operating team should have suitable experience to guarantee effective co-operation. The presented study reports on 41 laparoscopic resections of sigmoid colon and upper rectum. The operations were carried out on 31 patients with benign and 10 patients with malignant diseases. In 1 case we had to change to an open procedure. Postoperative complications were seen in 10 patients, one of whom died (secondary haemorrhage 2; anastomotic leakage 1, Douglas haematoma 1, inflammation of the drainage tract 6). Preoperative management, intraoperative procedures and postoperative results are described and discussed.