Transhiatal esophagectomy for benign disease

Transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy has been performed in 65 adult patients with dysphagia from benign esophageal disease: strictures (30), neuromotor dysfunction (24), acute iatrogenic perforation (five), acute caustic injury (four), and recurrent gastroesophageal reflux (two). Nearly 70% (45) had undergone at least one prior esophageal operation, and 26% (17) had a history of between two and four esophageal operations. The esophagus was replaced with stomach in 53 patients (82%), colon being used only when there was a history of either prior gastric resection or caustic injury to the stomach (10 patients). Intraoperative blood loss averaged 1,050 ml. Intraoperative complications included pneumothorax in 38 patients (58%) and a tracheal laceration in one patient. Postoperative complications included transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis (11 patients, 17%), chylothorax (four patients, 6%), anastomotic leak (four patients, 6%), and small bowel obstruction (two patients). There were five hospital deaths (8% mortality), none related to the technique of esophagectomy. Follow-up ranges from 1 to 84 months (average 28 months). Of 46 patients with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in the original esophageal bed, 42 have had an excellent functional result although 17 have required at least one postoperative esophageal dilation. Two have developed true anastomotic strictures. Clinically significant gastroesophageal reflux has not occurred. Transhiatal esophagectomy for benign disease is feasible and safe, even after multiple previous esophageal operations. The stomach appears to be a better visceral esophageal substitute than colon, because it allows an initially easier technical operation and superior long-term functional results.     

Colon interposition for benign esophageal disease

We reviewed 53 consecutive patients with benign disease who underwent esophageal resection followed by colon interposition to assess operative morbidity and long-term results. Indications were gastroesophageal reflux in 32 patients, advanced motility disorders in eight, esophageal perforation in six, and strictures not related to reflux in seven. There were two operative deaths (3.8%). Fourteen other patients (26.4%) had 18 major complications including three graft infarcts, two graft perforations, and four anastomotic leaks, one of which required surgical treatment. Follow-up was complete in 83% of patients and averaged 5 years. Eight patients required dilations; and 15 underwent late reoperations for stricture, persistent symptoms, or anastomotic leak. Of the 20 patients who did not have pyloroplasty done at the initial resection, five (25%) required a subsequent gastric emptying procedure. Results were rated by patients (subjectively) and physicians (objectively, based on symptoms and the need for further therapy) as 1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = fair, and 4 = poor. The patients' ratings averaged 1.89, with 27 patients (75%) claiming good or excellent results despite symptoms of postprandial fullness in 78% and dysphagia in 42%. Objective ratings averaged 2.05, with 28 of 39 patients (72%) rating the results as excellent or good. Despite a 30% major complication rate and a 37% late reoperative rate, colon interposition for benign esophageal disease can be accomplished with low mortality and high patient acceptance and remains our preferred technique for reconstruction of benign esophageal disease.     

Reconstrucción diferida del esófago tras su interrupción para el tratamiento de una patología benigna

ObjectivesTo assess morbidity, mortality and quality of life after oesophageal reconstruction in patients with oesophageal exclusion for benign diseases.Patients and methodsFrom 2002 to 2011, 20 of 24 patients with esophageal exclusion due to benign disease underwent a delayed reconstruction. We analyzed morbidity, mortality and health-related quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, before and after reconstruction.ResultsTwenty patients were operated (16 men and 4 women) with an average age of 54.5 ± 10.5 years. Main causes of oesophageal disconnection were: 10 cases of caustics ingestion, 3 iatrogenic perforations, 4 anastomotic leaks and 3 cases with Boerhaave syndrome. Fourteen (60%) coloplasties and 6 (25%) gastric interpositions were performed with an average time of 212,2 ± 23.5 days after oesophageal exclusion. Pulmonary complications were the most common postoperative complications (55% patients) and according to the modified Clavien classification were divided into: grade 1 (10%), grade 2 (15%), grade 3a (40%), grade 3b (10%), and grade 4a (10%). The 30-day mortality (grade 5) of the series was 10%. Quality of life after reconstruction improved significantly in all analyzed domains of the SF-36 questionnaire.ConclusionsDeferred oesophageal reconstruction is associated with a high morbidity and a mortality rate of 10%. After reconstruction, the quality of life improved in all the parameters evaluated.     

Results of gastric pull-up reconstruction for pharyngolaryngo-oesophagectomy in advanced head and neck cancer and cervical oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To study long-term clinical swallowing function and survival outcome in head and neck and cervical oesophageal cancer patients who underwent pharyngolaryngo-oesophagectomy (PLE). METHODS: The clinical data of 48 patients who were treated with PLE were analysed. All patients had advanced disease, so the construction required a transposed stomach. Body weight and clinical swallowing function were evaluated postoperatively. The swallowing function was assessed at an interview concerning food ingestion and regurgitation. The survival group was studied using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. RESULTS: Forty-one cases of hypopharyngeal cancer and four cases of cervical oesophageal cancer were studied. In three cases (6%), hypopharyngeal and thoracic oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma occurred together. Most cases had good-to-fair results. The average body weight gain was increased after surgery. There was one hospital death. The most common complications were pulmonary (4%). Median survival was 27 months. CONCLUSION: A pharyngogastric anastomosis after PLE can be performed with low morbidity and good swallowing function.     

Transhiatal esophagectomy for treatment of benign and malignant esophageal disease

Since our initial 1978 report, we have performed transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) in 1085 patients with intrathoracic esophageal disease: 285 (26%) benign lesions and 800 (74%) malignant lesions (4.5% upper, 22% middle, and 73.5% lower third/cardia). THE was possible in 97% of patients in whom it was attempted; reconstruction was performed at the same operation in all but six patients. The esophageal substitute was positioned in the original esophageal bed in 98%, stomach being used in 782 patients (96%) and colon in those with a prior gastric resection. Hospital mortality was 4%, with three deaths due to uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage. Major complications included anastomotic leak (13%), atelectasis/pneumonia prolonging hospitalization (2%), recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, chylothorax, and tracheal laceration (< 1% each). There were five reoperations for mediastinal bleeding within 24 hours of THE. Intraoperative blood loss averaged 689 ml. Altogether, 78% of the patients had no postoperative complications. Actuarial survival of the cancer patients mirrors that reported after transthoracic esophagectomy. Late functional results are good or excellent in 80%. Approximately 50% have required one or more anastomotic dilatations. With intensive preadmission pulmonary and physical conditioning, use of a side-to-side staple technique (which has reduced the cervical esophagogastric anastomotic leak rate to less than 3%), and postoperative epidural anesthesia, the need for an intensive care unit stay has been eliminated and the length of hospital stay was reduced to 7 days. We concluded that THE can be achieved in most patients requiring esophageal resection for benign and malignant disease and with greater safety and less morbidity than the traditional transthoracic approaches.     

The colon as oesophageal substitute in non-malignant disease. Long-term clinical results and functional studies.

Between 1974 and 1987, we performed 18 left colonic interpositions for benign oesophageal disease: caustic lesions in 6 patients, undilatable reflux stenosis in 5, reoperative peptic strictures in 5, penetrating wound in 1 and iatrogenic stricture following oesophagogastric transection for bleeding in 1. Four patients were women. The mean age was 40 +/- 19 years. In 10 patients a left thoracotomy was used; in the other 8 a cervico-abdominal approach was employed. One patient died postoperatively from liver failure. The mean follow-up was 11 +/- 4 years. Clinical results were excellent or good in 12 of the remaining 17 patients (71%). These results varied according to the length of colon interposition; in patients with long colonic interposition, poorer results were achieved. The motor activity of the colonic transplant was evaluated by manometric studies. After intraluminal injection of 30 ml of liquid, the colon responded uniformly with sequential peristaltic waves. Transmission of the oesophageal waves through the oesophagocolic anastomosis was studied in 2 patients. After wet swallows, the oesophageal contractile waves were followed by colonic waves. Solid radionuclide colonic transit studies were carried out in 18 control subjects and in 18 patients with colon interposition. In subjects with a normal oesophagus, the general pattern was rapid emptying of the bolus through the oesophagus. Findings in patients with a short transplant were similar to those observed in normal oesophagi. In most patients with long transplants the transit was abnormal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Collis-Nissen gastroplasty fundoplication for complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Collis-Nissen gastroplasty fundoplication is a widely accepted operation for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease complicated by oesophageal shortening. Assessment of this operation by 24 h oesophageal pH monitoring has not previously been reported. Our aim was to correlate clinical and endoscopic results with 24 h pH studies. Twenty-nine patients had a gastroplasty fundoplication, as a result of which twenty-five (86%) had an excellent clinical result, 2 (7%) had a good result and 2 (7%) had a poor result. The two poor results were in patients who had previously undergone anti-reflux surgery. All 29 patients had pre-operative pH monitoring. Twenty-three patients had postoperative pH studies. Oesophageal acidification times were normal postoperatively in 16 of 23 patients however, 7 still had an abnormal study. One of the two patients with a poor clinical result was studied and persistent severe oesophageal acidification was demonstrated. The remaining 6 patients with abnormal studies were asymptomatic. Five of the 6 asymptomatic patients also had a normal oesophagogastroscopy with no macroscopic oesophagitis. We conclude that 24 h pH monitoring after the Collis-Nissen operation should only be performed to assess clinically and endoscopically poor results.     

Esophageal reconstruction for benign disease: early morbidity, mortality, and functional results

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy for benign disease is performed infrequently. We reviewed the Mayo Clinic's experience with patients who required esophageal reconstruction for benign esophageal disease. METHODS: From March 1956 to October 1997, all patients who required resection and reconstruction for a benign condition of the esophagus were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 255 patients (141 male, 114 female). Median age was 55 years (range, 2 to 100). The original diagnosis was an esophageal stricture in 108 patients (42%), primary motility disorder in 84 (33%), perforation in 36 (14%), hiatal hernia in 18 (7%), and other in 9 (4.0%). Reconstruction was with stomach in 168 patients (66%), colon in 70 (27%), and small bowel in 17 (7%). The anastomosis was intrathoracic in 144 patients (57%) and cervical in 111 (43%). There were 13 postoperative deaths (mortality 5%); 142 patients (56%) had at least one complication. Median hospitalization was 14 days (range, 6-95 days). Follow-up was complete in 226 patients (88.6%) for a median of 52 months (range, 1 month to 29 years). A total of 175 patients (77.4%) were improved. Functional results were classified as excellent in 72 patients (31.8%), good in 23 (10.2%), fair in 80 (35.4%), and poor in 51 (22.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal reconstruction for benign disease resulted in functional improvement in a majority of patients. It can be done with low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Early morbidity is adversely affected by the diagnosis of perforation and the route through which the conduit is placed. Late functional outcome is adversely affected by the diagnosis of paraesophageal hernia and a cervical anastomosis.     

Laparoscopic Colectomy: the Absolute Need for a Standard Operative Technique

Background:

The aim of this study is to review our experience performing laparoscopic colon surgery and to present the operative technique as used and standardized by us.

Methods:

From April 1992 to December 1996, 158 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic colon surgery. There were 92 females and 66 males, whose average age was 66.7 years (range 31 - 92); 134 patients (84.9%) were operated on for carcinoma, and the remaining 24 (14.1%) for benign disease.

Results:

There were 117 procedures completed laparoscopically out of 158 patients (74%); 103 colon resections (18 for benign disease and 95 for malignant disease), 7 Hartmann procedures, 3 for reversal of Hartmann''s procedures, 1 rectopexy, and 3 ileotrasversostomies. Conversions were required in 41 out of 158 cases (25.9%); 19 of these cases, however, were converted to a laparoscopic-facilitated procedure. The most common causes for conversion were the presence of bulky tumors and/or tumors that contaminated adjacent structures (16/158), adhesions due to previous operations (8/158) or patient obesity (5/158). There were 31 complications (19.6%), 9 of which required re-operation. There was only one recurrence (0.9%) that manifested 15 months after the procedure, at both trocar and drainage sites, and with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This occurred in a patient with rectal neoplasia who suffered a perforation of the rectum during dis-section, with bowel spillage. The average number of lymph nodes harvested in resected specimens was 12.8 (range 1-41), whereas the mean distance of the tumor from the proximal margin of resection was 11.5 cm (range 5-35), and from the distal margin 7.5 cm (range 1-25). The average operative time was 165 minutes (range 40-360), and the mean hospital stay was 9.2 days (range 6-40). There were three mortalities out of 158 patients (1.9%).

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic colon resection for malignant lesions, performed with the highest respect for oncologic principles, has demonstrated that it is difficult to develop a barrier to wall and intraluminal recurrence. Recurrence, in our opinion, is caused by improper surgical technique. Therefore, neoplastic colon laparoscopic surgery must be the prerogative of selected and specialized centers.     

Transmediastinal esophagectomy and colon interposition without thoracotomy.

In the Central Hospital of Central Finland (responsibility for 250,000 inhabitants) the technique of transmediastinal esophagectomy and colon interposition without thoracotomy was used on 19 consecutive patients in the years 1983-1988. Fourteen of the patients had a malignant and five a benign disease. The type of cancer was squamous cell cancer in 13, and adenocancer in 1 case. All five patients with a benign disease had an etiology of corrosion by various agents. Two of them had a spontaneous rupture. In three cases the perforation occurred as a complication of endoscopic dilatation. There were no peroperative but one postoperative death. Six minor complications were well under control. The survival rate of cancer patients is comparable with the results reported by other authors. All five patients with a benign disease are in excellent condition with a follow up time from 4 to 100 months (mean 44 mo).     

COLLIS-NISSEN GASTROPLASTY FUNDOPLICATION FOR COMPLICATED GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Book reviews in this article: Collis-Nissen gastroplasty fundoplication is a widely accepted operation for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease complicated by oesophageal shortening. Assessment of this operation by 24 h oesophageal pH monitoring has not previously been reported. Our aim was to correlate clinical and endoscopic results with 24 h pH studies. Twenty-nine patients had a gastroplasty fundoplication, as a result of which twenty-five (86%) had an excellent clinical result, 2 (7%) had a good result and 2 (7%) had a poor result. The two poor results were in patients who had previously undergone anti-reflux surgery. All 29 patients had pre-operative pH monitoring. Twenty-three patients had postoperative pH studies. Oesophageal acidification times were normal postoperatively in 16 of 23 patients however, 7 still had an abnormal study. One of the two patients with a poor clinical result was studied and persistent severe oesophageal acidification was demonstrated. The remaining 6 patients with abnormal studies were asymptomatic. Five of the 6 asymptomatic patients also had a normal oesophagogastroscopy with no macroscopic oesophagitis. We conclude that 24 h pH monitoring after the Collis-Nissen operation should only be performed to assess clinically and endoscopically poor results.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy: a single-institution experience

The purpose of this study was to examine the results of a single institution experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic colon resection for benign disease. We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive cases performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons at a single institution. From August 1999 to June 2001, 37 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic colon resection. Seventeen patients were male, and 20 were female. Median patient age was 58 years (range 20-80). Indications for surgery were: polyp (13), uncomplicated diverticular disease (eight), complicated diverticular disease (i.e., colovesicular fistula, phlegmon, etc.) (seven), chronic constipation (four), rectal prolapse (two), ulcerative colitis (one), endometriosis (one), and fecal incontinence (one). Procedures performed were: sigmoidectomy (14), right colectomy (nine), low anterior resection (seven), subtotal colectomy (five), cecectomy (one), and transverse colectomy (one). Variables examined were: conversion to open procedure, operative time, blood loss, time to return of flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications. There were no deaths. One case was converted to celiotomy (unable to rule out malignancy). The median operative time was 122 minutes (range 32-240) with a median operative blood loss of 132 mL (range 0-300). Return of flatus was noted (median) at postoperative day 3 (range 1-5), and the median length of stay after operation was 4 days (range 2-8). One patient developed a superficial wound infection, and there was one pelvic abscess (drained percutaneously). One patient developed urinary retention. There were no reoperations. In this single-institution experience hand-assisted laparoscopic elective colectomy for benign disease was successful in both straightforward and complicated cases. A low conversion rate to celiotomy and favorable operative times compared with published "pure" laparoscopic results suggest a flatter learning curve for handoscopy while retaining the benefits of "minimally invasive" surgery such as early return of flatus and short postoperative hospital stay. For these reasons hand-assisted laparoscopy should be considered an acceptable technique in elective colon resection for benign disease.     

一期清创负压引流二期复位固定治疗开放性跟骨骨折

【摘要】 目的 评价开放性跟骨骨折手术治疗的临床疗效。方法〓2006年6月~2012年6月对15例开放性跟骨骨折行一期清创负压封闭引流(VSD),二期创面植皮或皮瓣转移修复并骨折复位内固定术治疗,观察手术并发症发生率及关节功能恢复情况,疗效评价采用美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝后足评分标准评估。结果〓所有患者均获随访,随访时间6个月~36个月,平均12.8个月,3例患者手术切口表皮部分坏死,1例部分钢板外露,经换药和VSD处理后愈合。末次随访时所有患者骨折均愈合,平均愈合时间为4个月。AOFAS踝后足评分标准评分为64~90分,平均79.3分,其中优3例,良8例,一般4例,优良率:73.3%。结论〓开放性跟骨骨折采用分期手术治疗策略,可降低手术并发症,初期效果良好。     

Long-term results of palliative endoscopic and surgical intubation of benign oesophageal stenoses

Summary Benign oesophageal stenosis can be treated by different methods. Besides surgical procedures and established conservative treatment (e.g. dilatation), more invasive endoscopic techniques such as cryosurgery and laser therapy have recently been developed. Intubation, which has been used to treat malignant strictures, can also be used in benign oesophageal strictures. Between 1977 and 1989 a total of 43 tubes were implanted in 26 patients (mean age 62.3 years). The mean duration of intubation was 149 days. We report our experience in patients intubated for (1) acid burns, (2) actinic strictures, (3) peptic strictures, (4) postoperative stenosis, (5) postoperative complications and (6) tracheo-oesophageal fistulae. We also discuss the complications (dislocation, disintegration, bleeding, perforation, operative removal) and long-term results. Because of the prolonged survival of patients with benign oesophageal stenosis, follow-up and late complications are of particular importance in this report. Despite drawbacks, intubation is an option in the management of patients with benign oesophageal stenosis.     

Oesophageal replacement in paediatric patients.

Over a 5-year period from January 1986 to December 1990, 24 children aged between 16 months and 12 years with undilatable oesophageal stricture had oesophageal replacement with isoperistaltic colonic conduit. All the strictures followed accidental corrosive burns. The procedure was well tolerated; all the patients were able to swallow within 3 weeks of surgery. Major postoperative complications were threatening pneumothorax (two cases), gastric outlet obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides (two cases) and cervical fistula (eight cases) which closed spontaneously in each case. There were no operative or postoperative deaths. Twenty-two patients have been followed up for 2-59 months. Children tolerate oesophageal replacement well. The short-term and medium-term results are good, but anxiety over the fate of the retained native oesophagus is noted.     

附加锁定加压钢板固定联合植骨治疗股骨转子下无菌性骨不连的疗效分析

目的:探讨附加锁定加压钢板联合植骨治疗股骨转子下无菌性骨不连的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2016年10月至2019年10月期间上海交通大学附属第六人民医院骨科收治的32例股骨转子下骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连患者资料。男25例,女7例;年龄为27~68岁,平均50.5岁;骨不连时间为9~24个月,平均12.2个月。骨不连...     

Endoprosthesis implantation in the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture: a multicenter study. Sicilian-Calabrian Urology Society

PURPOSE: This study was conducted by nine urology departments in southern Italy to assess the efficacy of and tolerance to treatment of recurrent urethral stricture using a permanent prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1992, 99 prostheses have been implanted to treat inflammatory and iatrogenic (seven departments) or all types (two departments) of urethral strictures. The Urolume Wallstent was used in 94 cases. Three centers implanted more than one prosthesis when this was indicated. Local anesthesia was used by six centers, spinal anesthesia by two, and local or general by one. At three centers, urethrotomy was performed immediately prior to implantation; two centers used dilation to 30F, and two centers performed urethrotomy 24 or 36 hours before implantation. The median follow-up is 29.1 months (range 3-53 months). RESULTS: The results were good in 52%, fair in 34%, and poor in 14% of patients. The maximum flow rate increased >75% in 82% of patients. All departments reported complete reepithelialization of the urethra by 6 months. The short-term complications (7-28 days) were perineal discomfort (86%) and dribbling (14%). The long-term complications were painful erection (44%), mucous hyperplasia (44%), recurring stricture (29%), and incontinence (14%). All departments performed resection for hyperplasia in many cases. CONCLUSION: Permanent urethral endoprostheses can produce excellent results in patients with recurrent urethral strictures.     

Tumor Treated by Endoscopy

Background

This study was conducted to examine the clinical usefulness and efficacy of endoscopic curettage on benign bone tumor.

Methods

Thirty-two patients (20 men and 12 women) with benign bone tumor were included in the study. The patients were aged between five and 76 years; the mean follow-up period was 27.05 months (range, 9.6 to 39.9 months). The primary sites include simple bone cyst (9 cases), fibrous dysplasia (6 cases), enchondroma (5 cases), non-ossifying fibroma (4 cases), bone infarct (3 cases), aneurysmal bone cyst (1 case), chondroblastoma (1 case), osteoblastoma (1 case), intraosseous lipoma (1 case), and Brodie abscess (1 case). A plain radiography was performed to assess the radiological recovery. Radiological outcomes, including local recurrence and bone union, were evaluated as excellent, good, poor, and recurred.

Results

In our series, there were 27 cases (84.4%) of good or better outcomes, six cases (18.8%) of complications (4 local recurrence, 1 wound infection, and 1 pathologic fracture).

Conclusions

Our results showed that endoscopic curettage and bone graft had a lower rate of recurrence and a higher cure rate in cases of benign bone tumor. It can, therefore, be concluded that endoscopic curettage and bone graft might be good treatment modalities for benign bone tumors.     

Hartmann's procedure. Indications, results. Apropos of 105 cases]

The authors report in this retrospective study, 105 cases of patients operated with Hartmann's technic since 1979 to 1990. There were 55 men and 50 women with average age of 70 years (34-90 years old), 71 patients were strucked down by malign disease, 34 by benign disease. 42 surgical operations were performed immediately, 63 were delayed, 26 operations were immediately performed for serious sepsis, 11 for occlusives syndromes. Delayed surgical operations were performed for malignant diseases in 50 cases, elsewhere, there were 6 sigmoiditis with malignant aspect. The upper half rectum was resected at a rate of 38%, the original technic was performed at a rate of 65%. Post operatory mortality was at a rate of 13% (14 died) concerning 25% of immediately operated patients and 6% of delayed operations. Post operatory mortality was at a rate of 15.4% for malignant disease and 8.8% for benign disease. Post operatory results were complicated with 4 occlusives syndromes, 3 fistula from the rectum, 1 cholecystis, 1 small intestine perforation. There were 10 parietal complications and 10 general complications with 7 urinary infections, 4 lung infections and 2 venous thrombosis. The colon anastomosis was performed in a manual way in 23.4% of cases, in a mechanical way in 23% of cases (with EEA or PCEA forceps) with a 8 month average interval between the 2 surgical operations. The mortality rate of this surgical operation is high because patients are old and have heavy deficiencies and are immediately operated for serious diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: technical aspects and short-term results

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is currently regarded as the next major advance in the progress of minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery. We describe our initial experience using SILS for the management of colorectal disease and present preliminary short-term results. Between February 2010 and April 2011, 7 patients (4 females and 3 males, mean age 55 years, range 32–74) underwent SILS for either benign or malignant colorectal disease. Preoperative diagnosis was diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon in two patients, malignant polyps of the sigmoid colon in two other patients and large villous tumor of the right colon in three patients. Surgical procedures, 4 anterior resections of the rectum and 3 right hemicolectomies, were performed through a 3 cm single umbilical incision using a SILS multi port device with conventional or articulated laparoscopic instruments. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions in the standard laparoscopic procedure. The mean operative time for anterior resections was 160.0 ± 10.6 min, whereas it was 160.6 ± 20 for right hemicolectomies. Blood loss was minimal. No postoperative complications were reported in any of the patients. The overall mean hospital stay was 4.8 ± 0.2 days (range 4–5). For the subset of patients with malignant or pre-malignant disease, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 15.6 ± 4.4 (range 6–31). Cosmetic results were considered excellent by all the patients after 15 days. In conclusion, our preliminary experience shows that SILS for colorectal disease is feasible and safe with potential reproducible oncologic results.