Laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis

BACKGROUND: In the large bowel, resection of the sigmoid colon is the most commonly performed laparoscopic intervention because large bowel lesions often are located in this part of the bowel and the procedure technically is the most favorable one. A number of publications involving case series or the results of highly experienced individual surgeons already have confirmed the feasibility of laparoscopic resection in cases of diverticulitis. The aim of the present prospective multicentric investigation was to check the results obtained by a large number of surgeons performing laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon for diverticulitis in various stages of severity. RESULTS: Between January 8, 1995 and January 1, 1998, the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group recruited 1,118 patients to the prospective multicenter study. Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, which accounted for 304 cases, was the most common indication for laparoscopic intervention. In most of these patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery (81.9%), the diverticulitis manifested as acute phlegmonous peridiverticulitis, recurrent attacks of inflammation, or stenosis. Complicated forms of diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV and late complications of chronic diverticular disease with fistula formation and bleeding accounted for only 18.1% of the cases. For the overall group, the conversion rate was 7.2%. Patients with less severe diverticulitis (i.e., those presenting with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation) had a conversion rate of 4.8% and the rate for complicated cases was 18.2%. Regarding laparoscopically completed interventions, 3 of 282 patients died (1.1%). In the group of patients with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation the overall complication rate was 14.8%. The group with perforated diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV or those with fistula and bleeding, the corresponding rate was 28.9%, and after conversion it was 31.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colorectal interventions in sigmoid diverticulitis are, for the most part, carried out as elective procedures for peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation. The conversion, complication, and mortality rates associated with these interventions are acceptable. Laparoscopic procedures in Hinchey stages I to IV sigmoid diverticulitis and in the presence of fistula and bleeding are more likely to be associated with complications, and should be carried out only by highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons.     

Laparoscopic versus open sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis

This study compared laparoscopic with open sigmoid colectomy for patients with a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Increased use of less invasive techniques makes it vitally important to evaluate outcomes of these techniques as compared with standard open procedures. Patients undergoing sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis without hemorrhage (code 56211) between January 1997 and December 2001 were reviewed. Two groups were identified: those undergoing open sigmoid colectomy and those undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, operative time, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, morbidity/mortality, and hospital charges were compared. During the study period 271 sigmoid colectomies were performed for diverticulitis without hemorrhage: 56 laparoscopically and 215 with the standard open technique. Four patients required conversion from laparoscopic to open colectomy. Mean ASA scores were: open group 2.4; laparoscopic group, 1.9 (P < 0.001). Mean operative times were: laparoscopic group, 170 +/- 45 minutes; open group, 140 +/- 49 minutes (P < 0.001). In the open group 39 patients required transfer to the ICU; one patient in the laparoscopic group required transfer to the ICU. Average hospital lengths of stay for the open and laparoscopic groups were 9.06 and 4.12 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Complications were recorded in 57 (27%) of 215 patients who underwent an open procedure versus 5 (9%) of 56 patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy (P < 0.01). There were three deaths in the open group and none in laparoscopic group. Average total hospital charges were 25,700 dollars for open sigmoid colectomy and 17,414 dollars for laparoscopic colectomy. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy compares favorably with open sigmoid colectomy for patients with a diagnosis of diverticulitis.     

Laparoscopic colectomy for recurrent and complicated diverticulitis: a prospective study of 396 patients

Background It was the aim of this prospective study to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease.Methods All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy for diverticular disease within a 10-year period were prospectively entered into a PC database registry. Indications for laparoscopic surgery were acute complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey stages I and IIa), chronically recurrent diverticulitis, sigmoid stenosis or outlet obstruction caused by chronic diverticulitis. Surgical procedures (sigmoid and anterior resection, left colectomy and resection rectopexy) included intracorporeal dissection and colorectal anastomosis. Parameters studied included age, gender, stage of disease, procedure, duration of surgery, intraoperative technical variables, transfusion requirements, conversion rate, total complication rate including major (requiring re-operation), minor (conservative treatment) and late-onset (post-discharge) complication rates, stay on ICU, hospitalisation, mortality, and recurrence. For objective evaluation, only laparoscopically completed procedures were analysed. Comparative outcome analysis was performed with respect to stage of disease and experience.Results A total of 396 patients underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Conversion rate was 6.8% (n=27), so that laparoscopic completion rate was 93.2% (n=369). Most common reasons for conversion were directly related to the inflammatory process, abscess or fistulas. The most common procedure was sigmoid resection (n=279), followed by anterior resection (n=36) and left colectomy (n=29). Total complication rate was 18.4% (n=68). Major complication rate was 7.6% (n=28), whereas the most common complication requiring re-operation was haemorrhage in 3.3% (n=12). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 1.6% (n=6). Minor complications were noted in 10.7% (n=40), late-onset complications occurred in 2.7% (n=10). Mortality was 0.5% (n=2). Mean duration of surgery was 193 (range 75–400) min, return to normal diet was completed after 6.8 (range 3–19) days. Mean hospital stay was 11.8 (range 4–71) days. No recurrence of diverticulitis occurred.Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease is safe, feasible and effective. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy has replaced open resection as standard surgery for recurrent and complicated diverticulitis at our institution.     

Laparoscopic vs open colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis

Background: The aim of this prospective comparative study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic and open colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in patients aged ≥75 years. Methods: From January 1993 to December 1998, all patients 75 years of age and older undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into the following two groups: group 1 (n= 22) consisted of patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure; group 2 (n= 24) consisted of patients who underwent an open procedure. Results: In group 1, there were 12 women and 10 men with a mean age of 77.2 years (range, 75–82); in group 2, there were 14 women and 10 men with a mean age of 78 years (range, 76–84) (p= 0.37). There was no difference between the groups in ASA classification. The operative time was shorter in group 2 (136 vs 234 mins). The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required (5.4 vs 8.2 days, p= 0.001), postoperative morbidity (18% vs 50%, p= 0.02), postoperative length of hospital stay (13.1 vs 20.2 days, p= 0.003), and the inpatient rehabilitation (6 vs 15 patients, p= 0.01) were significantly shorter for group 1 than for group 2. There were no perioperative deaths. The conversion rate was 9% in group 1. Conclusion: The data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to older patients with fewer complication, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and a more rapid return to preoperative activity levels than that seen with open colorectal resection. Received: 22 November 2000/Accepted: 22 February 2000/Online publication: 7 September 2000     

Increasing the number of attacks increases the conversion rate in laparoscopic diverticulitis surgery

Background  This study aimed to determine whether the number of diverticulitis or complicated diverticulitis episodes affects the conversion rate or postoperative complication rate in elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. Methods  In this study, 216 charts were reviewed for baseline characteristics, diverticulitis history, and intra- and postoperative complications. Analysis was performed with the Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact tests. Results  Of 216 sigmoid colectomies, 151 were laparoscopic, 19 were converted, and 46 were open. Baseline characteristics were similar for patients with zero to two and those with three or more inpatient diverticulitis attacks. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis had a higher rate of conversion after three or more inpatient episodes (2.6% vs 25%; p = 0.04). There was no difference in operative times or postoperative complication rates. Patients with a history of abscess had a 23% chance of conversion. Those with no abscess history had an 8% chance of conversion (p = 0.02). In general, converted procedures required more time than open procedures but were associated with decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) and a decreased rate of postoperative ileus. Conclusion  Multiple inpatient diverticulitis attacks and a history of abscess were associated with laparoscopic conversion. Converted procedures required more time than open procedures, but had reduced LOS and postoperative ileus. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy can be attempted safely for patients with three or more inpatient attacks or a history of complicated diverticulitis.     

Acute and Elective Laparoscopic Resection for Complicated Sigmoid Diverticulitis: Clinical and Histological Outcome

Background

Surgical treatment of acute complicated sigmoid diverticulitis is still under debate while elective treatment of recurrent diverticulitis has proven benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological outcome of acute and elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in patients with diverticulitis.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted where 197 patients were analyzed undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid resection for acute complicated diverticulitis and recurrent diverticulitis. Single-stage laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis were routinely performed using a 3-trocar technique. Recorded data included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-score, operative time, duration of hospital stay, complications, and histological results.

Results

Ninety-one patients received laparoscopy for acute diverticular disease (group I) and 93 patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis (group II). M/F ratio was 49:42 for group I and 37:56 for group II. Mean operative time and hospital stay was similar in both groups. Majority of patients were ASA II in both groups. Rate of minor complications was 14.3 % in group I and 7.5 % in group II. Major complications were 2.2 % for acute treatment and 4.3 % for elective resections. No anastomotic leakage and no mortality occurred. In 32.3 % of the patients of elective group II, destruction of the colonic wall with pericolic abscess, fistulization, or fibrinoid purulent peritonitis were identified.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery for acute diverticular disease is safe and effective. Continuing bowl inflammations in histological specimens justify sigmoid resection in elective patients, but more effective pre-operative parameters need to be found to identify patients that would benefit from surgery during the initial episode.     

Initial experience with 150 cases of laparoscopic assisted colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple reports of large series in the literature over the past decade, laparoscopic assisted colectomy (LAC) has not received widespread acceptance by the surgical community. Critics of LAC note concerns regarding unproved benefits and increased complexity of the procedures. The authors report their initial experience with 150 procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of 150 consecutive LACs was performed by the authors. RESULTS: Mean operative time for completed LAC, converted procedures, right, and sigmoid resections were 164 minutes, 203 minutes, 121 minutes, and 177 minutes, respectively. Twenty-two patients had additional concurrent laparoscopic procedures. Thirty-nine patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The conversion rate was 12%. Mean length of stay for all patients was 4.5 days. There were 8 major and 16 minor complications. There were no port site metastases. Major complications and conversion rate decreased from the first 50 cases to the last 50 cases. CONCLUSIONS: LAC can be safely performed with superior quality of life outcomes in comparison with open colectomy. The authors believe that LAC will eventually become the gold standard for colon resection. The learning curve is discussed as an ongoing process, rather than a set number of procedures.     

Laparoscopic Resection of Chronic Sigmoid Diverticulitis with Fistula

Background and Objectives:

A growing number of operations for sigmoid diverticulitis are being done laparoscopically. There is a paucity of data on the outcome of laparoscopy for sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by colonic fistula. The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis with and without colonic fistula.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by fistula at a single tertiary care institution over a 7-year period. Comparison was made with a group of patients who underwent resection for diverticulitis without fistula during the same study period.

Results:

Forty-two patients were analyzed (group 1: diverticular fistula, group 2: no fistula). The median age was similar (49 vs. 50 years, P = .68). A chronic abscess was present in 24% of patients in group 1 and 10% in group 2 (P = .40). Fistula types were colovesical (71%), colovaginal (19%), and colocutaneous (10%). Operation types were sigmoidectomy (57% vs. 81%) and anterior resection (43% vs. 19%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .18). Ureteral catheters were used more frequently in group 1 (67% vs. 33% [P = .06]). No difference was noted in operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, length of stay, overall complications, wound infection rate, readmission rate, reoperation rate, and mortality. All patients healed without fistula recurrence.

Conclusions:

Patients with sigmoid diverticulitis with fistula can be successfully treated with laparoscopic excision, with similar outcomes for patients without fistula.     

Stellenwert der laparoskopischen Sigmaresektion bei der elektiven chirurgischen Therapie der Sigmadivertikulitis

The full significance of laparoscopic technique in elective surgery of sigmoid diverticulitis has yet to be determinated. However, it seems worthwhile to evaluate how minimally invasive surgery could be integrated into the surgical treatment of diverticulitis disease. Between January 1995 and August 1996, 26 patients with sigmoid diverticulitis underwent elective surgery. Following diagnostic laparoscopy, seven patients were treated with primary conventional resection, 15 patients with laparoscopic resection and four patients with laparoscopic-assisted surgery. One laparoscopic resection had to be converted to a median laparotomy. Postoperative complications (n=2) only appeared in the group of conventional resections. Conventional resections required less time than laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted resections, but postoperatively, patients with laparoscopic resection were able to defecate sooner and required a shorter hospital stay. For 60% of the patients with diverticulitis disease of the colon, elective laparoscopic resection may prove to be the best alternative of surgical treatment. In selected patients it is a sound technique with a low complication rate. We recommend that all patients with diverticulitis disease requiring elective surgery undergo diagnostic laparoscopy to determine whether or not laparoscopic resection is a viable option.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery (HALS) at a community hospital

BACKGROUND: We report 104 consecutive cases of hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) colectomy over 5 years performed by a single surgeon. METHODS: Data were gathered prospectively and include patient demographic data, diagnosis, operating time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and complications. Virtually all patients presenting for elective resection with benign disease and metastatic cancer were treated using HAL techniques. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years; 48% of patients had diverticulitis; 21%, colorectal cancer; 18%, benign polyps. In addition, 55% of patients underwent sigmoid or left colectomy; 27%; right hemicolectomy; 9%, low anterior resection, and two double resections were performed. Mean operating room time was 135 minutes; in 12% of the patients conversion to open surgery became necessary, in most cases requiring only a small extension of the HAL incision. Mean and median discharge was postoperative day 4 and postoperative day 3, respectively. There was 1 death (1%) and 21% of patients had complications, 12% of them major. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparotomy colectomy is a safe and effective procedure. The data in terms of length of hospital stay and operative time compare favorably with published data for conventional laparoscopic (CL) colectomy. Although further study is necessary, it appears that HALS confers all of the advantages of CL for colectomy, with no obvious drawbacks.     

Emergency laparoscopic management of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis: a promising alternative to more radical procedures

BACKGROUND: Classic emergency surgical management of complicated perforated sigmoid diverticulitis is based on the principle of a two-stage operation, with colon resection and temporary stoma (Hartmann's procedure). But the later second-stage operation can be technically difficult and can be associated with a significant morbidity rate. We argue that laparoscopy may be beneficial in such patients with peritonitis in terms of operative results and could facilitate later surgical management. STUDY DESIGN: We studied all consecutive patients with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis requiring emergency surgery between January 2000 and December 2004. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent emergency laparoscopic management for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. Nineteen patients (80%) were found to have a purulent or fecal diffuse peritonitis. No conversion and colostomy were necessary. The overall morbidity rate was 8%; 2 patients with pelvic abscesses required radiologic drainage. The median hospital stay was 12 days (range 7 to 35 days). Prophylactic sigmoid resection was performed by laparoscopy in all patients, with a conversion rate of 16%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic treatment of generalized peritonitis secondary to diverticulitis is feasible and safe and may be a promising alternative to more radical surgery in selected patients, avoiding fecal diversion and allowing a delayed elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection.     

Surgical management of acute sigmoid diverticulitis

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of use of resection and primary anastomosis in the management of acute sigmoid diverticulitis at Royal Columbian Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute sigmoid diverticulitis between 1989 and 2000 at the Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, BC, was carried out in order to determine the frequency of resection and primary anastomosis. Patients who underwent bowel preparation were excluded. RESULTS: Ninety-seven cases met the criteria. There were 33 cases of resection and primary anastomosis (34%). Five of these cases were protected with a proximal diverting stoma giving an incidence of 85% unprotected primary anastomosis in a group of patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute sigmoid diverticulitis. There was 1 anastomotic leak, 7 wound infections, and 3 deaths with an average length of stay of 9 days. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of resection and primary anastomosis for acute sigmoid diverticulitis at the Royal Columbian Hospital has an acceptable morbidity and mortality.     

Laparoscopic excision of rectovaginal endometriosis: report of a prospective study and review of the literature

Aim The surgical management of rectovaginal endometriosis is challenging. We present our experience of the laparoscopic management of these difficult cases, together with a review of the current literature. Method A prospective database was established for all patients undergoing surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE) with rectovaginal and/or ureteric and bladder nodules. Outcomes analysed include operation performed, conversion and complication rates, and length of stay. These outcomes were compared with other laparoscopic rectal resections for alternative diagnoses recorded in the database and with outcomes seen in a literature review of studies on the surgical management of endometriosis. Results Between April 2004 and November 2007, 54 patients underwent laparoscopic excision of rectovaginal endometriosis by a combined colorectal and gynaecological surgical team. Out of the 54 patients, 37% of patients underwent a rectal wall shave, 13% had a disc excision of the rectal wall, and 50% underwent segmental resection. There was a conversion rate of 4%, median duration of stay was 3 days, with 2% requiring transfusion. Major complications occurred in 7% of patients, with 4% requiring reoperation. Patients undergoing segmental resection for endometriosis had a higher complication rate than those having surgery for other diagnoses. There was an increased incidence of anastomotic stenosis, with histopathological results suggesting that the disease process might have contributed to this occurrence. Conclusions Laparoscopic resection of rectovaginal endometriosis may be associated with a higher incidence of complications than resections performed for other diagnoses.     

Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy for Diverticulitis: a Prospective Study

Background:

Surgical treatment of complicated colonic diverticular disease is still debatable. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in patients with diverticulitis. Patients offered laparoscopic surgery presented with acute complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey type I, II, III), chronically recurrent diverticulitis, bleeding, or sigmoid stenosis caused by chronic diverticulitis.

Method:

All patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy within a 12-year period were prospectively entered into a database registry. One-stage laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis constituted the planned procedure. A 4-trocar approach with suprapubic minilaparotomy was performed. Main data recorded were age, sex, postoperative pain, return of bowel function, operation time, duration of hospital stay, and early and late complications.

Results:

During the study period, 260 sigmoid colectomies were performed for diverticulitis. The cohort included 104 male and 156 female patients; M to F ratio was 4:6. Postoperative pain was controlled by NSAIDs or weak opioid analgesia. Fifteen patients (5.7%) required conversion from laparoscopic to open colectomy. The most common reasons for conversion were directly related to the inflammatory process, abscess, and peritonitis. Mean operative time was 130±54. Average postoperative hospital stay was 10±3 days. A longer hospital stay was recorded for Hinchey type IIb patients. Complications were recorded in 30 patients (11.5%). The most common complications that required reoperation were hemorrhage in 2 patients (0.76) and anastomotic leak in 5 patients (only 3 of them required reoperation). The mortality among them was 2 patients (0.76%).

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease is safe, feasible, and effective. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy has replaced open resection as standard surgery for recurrent and complicated diverticulitis at our institution.     

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery – results from 200 patients

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly being performed for benign and malignant colorectal disease. This study examines the short-term results in a consecutive series of laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed over 2 years. METHOD: A prospective database was established for all elective patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery by one surgeon. The main outcome measures assessed were operative duration, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality and lymph node harvest. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-one consecutive patients were referred for elective colorectal surgery, with 18 patients excluded from laparoscopic surgery. Thirteen patients had nonresective laparoscopic colorectal procedures for endometriosis and have been excluded from the series. Of 200 patients who underwent a laparoscopic colorectal procedure, 114 (57%) were female, the median age was 67 years (inter-quartile range (IQR) 57-76), and there were 116 malignancies. The most common operations were anterior resection and sigmoid colectomy (n = 82), right hemicolectomy (n = 62) and left hemicolectomy (n = 12). The median operating time was 120 min (IQR 90-150) and 10 patients (5%) required conversion to open surgery. The median lymph node harvest in malignancies was 21 nodes (IQR 15-30) and no positive resection margins were found. There were two deaths and 29 significant complications (14.5%), with seven patients requiring re-operations because of postoperative complications. The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-6) and 13 patients (6.5%) were re-admitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is possible for most benign and malignant conditions, with low conversion and complication rates, as well as short hospital stay.     

Use and outcomes of emergent laparoscopic resection for acute diverticulitis

BackgroundThe use and outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoid resection during emergency admissions for diverticulitis are unknown.MethodsThe Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for colorectal resections performed for diverticulitis during emergent hospital admissions (2003–2007). Univariate and multivariate analyses including patient, hospital, and outcome variables were performed.ResultsA national estimate of 67,645 resections (4% laparoscopic) was evaluated. The rate of conversion to open operation was 55%. Ostomies were created in 66% of patients, 67% open and 41% laparoscopic. Laparoscopy was not a predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR] =.70; confidence interval [CI], .32–1.53). Laparoscopy predicted routine discharge (OR = 1.31; CI, 1.06–1.63) and a decreased length of stay (absolute days = ?.78; CI, ?1.19 to ?.37). There was no difference in the cost of hospitalization between the 2 groups (P = .45).ConclusionsIn acute diverticulitis, urgent laparoscopic resection decreases the length of stay. However, it is associated with a high conversion rate, no cost savings, and no difference in mortality.     

Predictive risk factors for intra- and postoperative complications in 526 laparoscopic sigmoid resections due to recurrent diverticulitis: a multivariate analysis

Background  

Laparoscopic sigmoid resection is a feasible and frequent operation for patients who suffer from recurrent diverticulitis. There is still an ongoing debate about the optimal timing for surgery in patients who suffer from recurrent diverticulitis episodes. In elective situations the complication rate for this procedure is moderate, but there are patients at high risk for perioperative complications. The few identified risk factors so far refer to open surgery. Data for the elective laparoscopic approach is rare. The objective of this study was to identify potential predictive risk factors for intra- and postoperative complications in patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection due to diverticular disease.     

Laparoscopic vs open colectomy: outcomes comparison based on large nationwide databases

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic colectomy has significant advantages over open colectomy in the treatment of diverticular disease with respect to the length of hospital stay, routine hospital discharge, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective secondary data analysis. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients with primary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes for laparoscopic (709 patients [3.8%]) and open sigmoid resection (17 735 patients [96.2%]) were selected from the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Nationwide Inpatient Samples. These databases represent 20% stratified probability samples of all US community hospital discharges. Sampling weights were used to allow generalization of the study findings to the overall US population. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk-adjusted association between the surgery type and patient outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of hospital stay, in-hospital complications, in-hospital mortality, and the rate of routine discharge. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 59.8 years; they were preponderantly white (89.1%) and female (54.0%). After adjusting for other covariates, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was associated with a shorter mean hospital stay (laparoscopic sigmoidectomy vs open sigmoidectomy, 7.47 vs 9.37 days; P<.001), fewer gastrointestinal tract complications (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.93; P =.03), a lower overall complication rate (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.88; P =.007), and a higher routine hospital discharge rate (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-3.21; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sigmoid resection in patients with diverticular disease has statistically and clinically significant advantages over open sigmoid resection with respect to the length of hospital stay, rate of routine hospital discharge, and postoperative in-hospital morbidity.     

Converted laparoscopic colectomy

Background The safety and benefits of laparoscopic colon resection are well documented. However, few reports have addressed the safety and comparative outcome of laparoscopic colon operations that necessitated conversion. Methods All consecutive laparoscopic colon resections performed by a single surgeon from July 1996 to October 2003 were assessed. Data obtained from a prospective computerized database included demographics, diagnosis, reason and time to conversion, length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, all laparoscopic-converted colectomies were then matched with open colectomies by diagnosis and severity of disease and analyzed with respect to morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome. Results A total of 143 laparoscopic colon resections were analyzed, 78 of which were left colon resections and 65 were right colon resections. The overall conversion rate was 19.6% (28 patients). The disease entities of the 28 converted patients were diverticulitis (16), polyps (four), Crohn’s disease (three), metastatic cancer (three), and others (two). Conversion was higher in the left-sided (24 patients, 30.8%) versus right-sided (four patients, 6.1%) procedures. There were no differences regarding age, gender, and comorbidities among the laparoscopic, open, and converted groups; the median follow-up was 39 months. The median length of stay was 6, 8, and 12 days for the laparoscopic, open, and converted groups, respectively. Right-sided conversions were due to the size of the inflammatory mass in three patients and intraoperative bleeding in one patient. Left-sided conversions were due to the inflammatory process extending beyond the sigmoid colon in 12 patients, adhesions in five, obesity in four, pericolonic abscess in two, and fixed mass in one patient. Postoperative morbidity was significantly higher for laparoscopic procedures that were converted to open procedures more than 30 min into the operation. Preoperative predictors of conversion were extent of inflammatory process beyond the sigmoid colon and obesity, whereas intraoperative predictors were adhesions and bleeding. Conclusions Laparoscopic-converted colon resection is associated with significantly greater morbidity, particularly wound complications and greater length of hospital stay, compared to open or laparoscopic colectomies. Prompt conversion (<30 min) may reduce the overall morbidity associated with converted procedures. Furthermore, thoughtful patient selection may decrease the conversion rate and thereby prevent the inherent morbidity associated with converted procedures.     

Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease complicated by fistulae.

OBJECTIVES: Elective laparoscopic surgery for recurrent, uncomplicated diverticular disease is considered safe and effective; however, little data exist on complicated cases. We investigated laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis complicated by fistulae. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment of enteric fistulae complicating diverticular disease performed by 4 surgeons at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2004, 14 patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoid resections for diverticular disease complicated by enteric fistulae. Patients' mean age was 62 and 4 were female. Multiple fistulae were present in 21%. Types of fistulae included 8 colovesical, 5 enterocolic, 2 colovaginal, 1 colosalpingal, and 1 colocutaneous. All patients successfully underwent sigmoidectomy, and 14% required additional bowel resections. No cases were proximally diverted. Conversion to open was necessary in 36% of cases, all due to dense adhesions and severe inflammation. The mean operative time was 209 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 326 mL. Two (14%) postoperative complications occurred, including one anastomotic bleed and one prolonged ileus. No anastomotic leaks or mortalities occurred. The mean postoperative stay was 6 days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of diverticular disease complicated by fistulae can be performed effectively and safely. The conversion rate is higher than traditionally accepted rates of uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis and is associated with severe adhesions and inflammation.