Efficacy and safety of tracheobronchoplasty after induction therapy for locally advanced lung cancer

OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving induction therapy may have increased risk of morbidity and mortality after surgery. We retrospectively evaluated the influence of preoperative treatment in patients who underwent sleeve resection for lung cancer. METHODS: A series of 48 consecutive patients who underwent sleeve resection with a telescoping anastomosis was retrospectively analyzed. A sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy were performed in 41 and 7 patients, respectively. Twenty patients received preoperative induction therapy; of them, 16 received induction chemoradiotherapy and 4 received only chemotherapy. Twenty-eight patients underwent the procedure without adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: The telescopic procedure was performed by placing sutures around the proximal and distal portions of the bronchial cartilage without wrapping the anastomosis. Among the 20 patients who received induction therapy, pulmonary angioplasty was performed in 5 and chest wall resection was performed in 3. Seven of these 20 patients (35%) had postoperative complications. Among the 28 patients without preoperative adjuvant therapy, pulmonary angioplasty was performed in 3, diaphragmatic resection was performed in 1, and chest wall resection was performed in 1. Three of these 28 patients (11%) had postoperative complications. Complications relating to the anastomosis occurred in 1 patient (5.0%) who received induction therapy; however, no operative deaths occurred. Bronchoscopic examinations demonstrated that mucosal healing was prolonged in patients who underwent induction therapy. CONCLUSION: Induction therapy did not significantly affect morbidity or mortality among patients who underwent sleeve resection.     

Surgical treatment in ulcerative rectocolitis . Analysis of a 24 years experience of 50 patients

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that may be cured by surgery being indicated for emergency situations resulting from complications of fulminant disease and for elective indications. We analyzed the last 24 years experience regarding 50 patients surgically treated for ulcerative colitis in the Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of Fundeni Clinical Institute. The indications for surgery were: failure of medical treatment in 22 patients, acute disease with complications in 20, chronic complications in 8 cases. We used the following surgical procedures: total proctocolectomy in all 2 cases with associated rectal cancer, total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis (one staged or two staged procedures) in 31, and restorative proctocolectomy in 17 cases (in all cases as a 2 or 3 staged procedure). In acute disease with complications we have performed total colectomy with terminal ileostomy, closure of the rectal stump, or exteriorization of the sigmoid stump in a mucous fistula. The gravity of acute complications does not justify the use of palliative procedures such as ileostomy, colostomy or Hartmann procedure because the mortality rate of these operations is higher than the postoperative mortality rate of total colectomy performed in emergency. Even in the elective surgery, when the patients are in a poor condition, nutritionally depleted, taking large doses of steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, we prefer the staged procedure. Total proctocolectomy is performed only in the cases of ulcerative colitis associated with rectal cancer, severe perianal disease, sphincter incontinence. Total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis is indicated when the rectal stump has minimal inflammatory lesions. Restorative proctocolectomy is the surgery of choice for UC, the functional results being comparable with those of total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis, but having the advantage of curing the disease. The global mortality rate was 12% (6 patients).     

Comparison of postoperative mortality in VA and private hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared unselected VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and private multi-hospital postoperative mortality rates. In the absence of national standards for postoperative mortality rates and in view of the unique volume and range of surgical procedures studied, the second objective is to help establish national standards through the dissemination of these postoperative mortality norms. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Public Law 99-166, Section 204, enacted by Congress December 3, 1985, required that the VA compare postoperative mortality and morbidity rates for each type of surgical procedure it performs with the prevailing national standard and analyze any deviation between such rates in terms of patient characteristics. METHODS: The authors compared postoperative mortality in the VA to that in private hospitals, adjusting for the patient characteristics of age, diagnosis, comorbidity, or severity of illness. We used a total of 830,000 patients discharge records (323,000 VA and 507,000 private patients) from 1984 through 1986 among 309 individual surgical procedures within 113 comparison surgical procedures or procedure groups. RESULTS: The authors found no significant differences in postoperative mortality rates between the VA and private hospital systems for 105 of the 113 surgical procedures or procedure groups. VA postoperative mortality rates that were higher than those in private hospitals were found for suture of ulcer, revision of gastric anastomosis, small-to-small intestinal anastomosis, appendectomy, and reclosure of postoperative disruption of abdominal wall (p = 0.05). Vascular bypass surgery, portal systemic venous shunt, and esophageal surgery showed a significantly lower postoperative mortality in the VA as compared with that in private hospitals (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VA postoperative mortality in 113 surgical procedures or procedure groups is comparable to that in private hospitals.     

Chronic subdural hematoma following bypass surgery--report of three cases.

Bypass surgery is a safe procedure with low mortality and morbidity, and few reported surgical complications. Three patients developed postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH): two with stroke after superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis and one with moyamoya disease after STA-MCA anastomosis combined with encephalomyosynangiosis. The factors inducing CSDH after revascularization in the seven reported and present cases included postoperative subdural effusion associated with brain atrophy, and postoperative anticoagulant therapy such as aspirin. CSDH may occur in patients with pre-existing brain atrophy and postoperative subdural effusion. Anticoagulant therapy should be avoided at the early postoperative stage after bypass surgery.     

套入式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术在肥胖患者的临床应用

目的探讨套入式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术在肥胖患者中应用的可行性及安全性。方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2012年12月我院收治的128例拟行套入式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术治疗患者的临床资料,按体重指数（BMI）分为A组（BMI〈25kg／m2）和B组（BMI≥25kg／m2）,比较两组患者的一般资料和手术相关情况。结果两组病例在手术时间、术中出血量及保护性造口患者数等因素方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,但B组转行Mile手术的患者数显著高于A组（P〈0．05）。两组病例下切缘距离,清扫淋巴结数目相比差异无统计学（P〉0．05）,除了切口脂肪液化及感染这一并发症（P〈0．05）,两组病例在其他术后并发症发生率及术后通气时间等方面也无明显差异（P〉0．05）。结论套入式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术应用于肥胖患者是安全可行的,可达到同样的根治目的。     

Single-Stitch Telescopic Bilioenterostomy in an Animal Model

ABSTRACT

Background/Aims: An end-to-side biliodigestive anastomosis is the most common procedure performed in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, and this procedure may become technically demanding. A telescopic ureterovesical anastomosis is frequently used in transplant surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of constructing a telescopic biliodigestive anastomosis. Methodology: The technique-standardization (n = 8) and main study (n = 3) groups were formed from 11 pigs. A single-stitch telescopic anastomosis with a self-disposable internal stent was performed in the main study group. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the 4-week follow-up period, and cholangiograms and tissue samples were obtained. Repeated biological, hematological, and biochemical data were recorded. Results: No bilomas or functional biliary strictures were identified in any of the main study group animals. Light microscopy revealed intestinal metaplasia of the biliary epithelium in the portion of the bile duct telescoped inside the intestinal lumen. Conclusions: Telescopic bilioenterostomy with a single pull-through stitch and a self-disposable stent is quick and reproducible in animal models, and it appears to be free of complications. Further experiments with longer follow-up periods are required to confirm that this anastomotic technique does not lead to episodes of delayed cholangitis or development of adenocarcinoma.     

Utility of Divided Omentum for Preventing Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has emerged as a standard surgical treatment for morbid obesity. However, prevention of postoperative complications associated with bariatric surgery is an important consideration. Methods To reduce postoperative complications and achieve adequate body weight loss, we introduce a simple procedure using a divided omentum during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The actual aim of this procedure is to prevent leakage from the gastric pouch or anastomosis and the gastro-gastric fistula because of reentry of the alimentary tract. Between February 2002 and April 2007, we performed laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity in 94 patients. In the most recent 83 cases, our simple procedure using a divided omentum was employed. Results These patients comprised 20 males and 63 females, with a mean age of 38 years, and a mean body mass index of 44.1 kg/m². At surgery, the omentum is routinely divided using laparoscopic coagulating shears before performing gastrojejunostomy to reduce the tension on the anastomosis caused by the route of reconstruction. After performing hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy, the left side of the divided omentum is moved cranially and interposed between the gastric pouch and the excluded stomach. The omentum is then sutured from the posterior aspect of the gastric pouch to the anterior side of the anastomosis. Conclusion Our procedure using a divided omentum during bariatric surgery is feasible and safe for obtaining better outcomes without artificial materials. Although the long-term outcome of this technique is still unclear, we believe that it will contribute to decreasing the particular complications related to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.     

Telescopic technique associated with mucosectomy: a simple and safe anastomosis in pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreatic fistula remains a common problem and a main cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We have developed a safe and simple method of pancreaticojejunostomy in 33 patients, in whom approximately 3 cm of jejunal mucosa was cut to improve the adhesion between the loop and pancreatic parenchyma after end-to-end invagination. Furthermore, we have performed a purse-string procedure on 21 patients to secure the jejunum to the intussuscepted pancreatic stump instead of continuous running fashion with double needles of 5-0 monofilament synthetic absorbable sutures. This procedure was proved to be much more expeditious, and only 2 of 33 patients had pancreatic leakages. Therefore, the telescopic technique associated with mucosectomy is an acceptable and safe surgery for pancreaticojejunal anastomosis.     

Results from percutaneous drainage of Hinchey stage II diverticulitis guided by computed tomography scan

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous abscess drainage guided by computed tomography scan is considered the initial step in the management of patients presenting with Hinchey II diverticulitis. The rationale behind this approach is to manage the septic complication conservatively and to follow this later using elective sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis. METHODS: The clinical outcomes for Hinchey II patients who underwent percutaneous abscess drainage in our institution were reviewed. Drainage was considered a failure when signs of continuing sepsis developed, abscess or fistula recurred within 4 weeks of drainage, and emergency surgical resection with or without a colostomy had to be performed. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (17 men and 17 women; median age, 71 years; range, 34-90 years) were considered for analysis. The median abscess size was 6 cm (range, 3-18 cm), and the median duration of drainage was 8 days (range, 1-18 days). Drainage was considered successful for 23 patients (67%). The causes of failure for the remaining 11 patients included continuing sepsis (n = 5), abscess recurrence (n = 5), and fistula formation (n = 1). Ten patients who failed percutaneous abscess drainage underwent an emergency Hartmann procedure, with a median delay of 14 days (range, 1-65 days) between drainage and surgery. Three patients in this group (33%) died in the immediate postoperative period. Among the 23 patients successfully drained, 12 underwent elective sigmoid resection with a primary anastomosis. The median delay between drainage and surgery was 101 days (range, 40-420 days). In this group, there were no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. CONCLUSION: Drainage of Hinchey II diverticulitis guided by computed scan was successful in two-thirds of the cases, and 35% of the patients eventually underwent a safe elective sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis. By contrast, failure of percutaneous abscess drainage to control sepsis is associated with a high mortality rate when an emergency resection is performed. The current results demonstrate that percutaneous abscess drainage is an effective initial therapeutic approach for patients with Hinchey II diverticulitis, and that emergency surgery should be avoided whenever possible.     

Effect of systemic corticosteroids on elective left-sided colorectal resection with colorectal anastomosis

Background

The impact of systemic steroid therapy on surgical outcome after elective left-sided colorectal resection with rectal anastomosis is not well known.

Methods

We compared 606 consecutive patients including 53 patients who were on steroids and undergoing surgery between 1995 and 2005.

Results

Postoperative mortality and anastomotic leakage rates were equivalent. The postoperative complications rate, especially infections, was higher in steroid-treated patients than in non-steroid-treated patients: 38% (20 of 53 patients) versus 25% (139 of 553 patients), respectively (P = .046). In the steroid group, univariate analysis revealed 3 significant risk factors for postoperative complications: blood transfusion, preoperative anticoagulation, and chronic respiratory failure. In a multivariate analysis, blood transfusion and chronic respiratory failure remained independent factors for postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Patients on steroids have a higher incidence of postoperative complications after elective left-sided colorectal resection with rectal anastomosis.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis

Introduction: Robotic telemanipulation systems have been introduced recently to enhance the surgeon's dexterity and visualization in videoscopic surgery in order to facilitate refined dissection, suturing, and knot tying. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of performing a safe and efficient robot-assisted handsewn laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis in a pig model. Methods: Thirty intestinal anastomoses were performed in pigs. Twenty anastomoses were performed laparoscopically with the da Vinci robotic system (robot-assisted group), the remaining 10 anastomoses by laparotomy (control group). OR time, anastomosis time and complications were recorded. Effectiveness of the laparoscopic anastomoses was evaluated by postoperative observation of 10/20 pigs of the robot-assisted group for 14 days and by testing mechanical integrity in all pigs by measuring passage, circumference, number of stitches, and bursting pressure. These parameters and anastomosis time were compared to the anastomoses performed in the control group. Results: In all cases of the robot-assisted group the procedure was completed laparoscopically. The only perioperative complication was an intestinal perforation, caused by an assisting instrument. The median procedure time was 77 min. Anastomosis time was longer in the laparoscopic cases than in the controls (25 vs 10 min; p <0.001). Postoperatively, one pig developed an ileus, based on a herniation of the spiral colon through a trocar-port. For this reason it was terminated on the sixth postoperative day. All anastomoses of the robot-assisted group were mechanically intact and all parameters were comparable to those of the control group. Conclusion: Technical feasibility of performing a safe and efficient robot-assisted laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis in a pig model was repeatedly demonstrated in this study, with a reasonable time required for the anastomosis.     

Pancreatico-jejunal vs pancreatico-gastric anastomosis after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy

Pancreatoduodenectomy has been for a long time a procedure with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. Several complications after pancreatic resections are known, but one of the most severe is the fistula of the pancreatic anastomosis. Avoiding the pancreatic fistula caused many surgical innovations regarding the procedure of reestablishing the continuity after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare pancreatico-jejunostomy vs pancreatico-gastrostomy with regard to safety of pancreatic anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy. No technique was proved to be superior so far, the benefits of these 2 types of pancreatic anastomosis being the subject for intense debates. From 2000 to 2004, 17 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, for pancreas, ampulla, distal bile duct or duodenum cancers. Pancreatic anastomosis was accomplished by pancreatico-gastrostomy in 11 cases and by pancreatico-jejunostomy in 6 cases. There was no significant difference between the two groups (age, gender and primary disease). Comparison between the two groups was made mainly analysing postoperative mortality and morbidity. Postoperative morbidity was 9,1% after pancreatico-gastrostomy and 33,3% after pancreatico-jejunostomy. Postoperative mortality was none after pancreatico-gastrostomy and 16,7% after pancreatico-jejunostomy. This study seems to demonstrate the superiority of the pancreatico-gastric anastomosis, but in most cases the surgeon will choose based on his experience. These results have to be confirmed or invalidated by a prospective multicentric randomised study.     

Management of early hemorrhage from pancreatic anastomoses after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic surgery remains a challenge with considerable morbidity rates. The leading cause of emergency reexploration is early postoperative hemorrhage due to technical failure of hemostasis. Failure of hemostasis is usually tackled without difficulty, except when the bleeding arises from pancreatic anastomosis, since it poses a unique surgical challenge of preserving its integrity and also controlling the hemorrhage. The practical aspects and outcomes of management of this complication are unclear, with limited data. METHODS: Data from 458 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were analyzed. Early hemorrhage emanating from pancreatic anastomoses resulting in a relaparotomy was identified. RESULTS: Eight patients (1.7%) had pancreatic anastomotic bleeding. The initial 2 patients underwent completion pancreatectomy, and the latter 6 patients underwent enterotomy with control of bleeding without disturbing the pancreatic anastomosis. The median interval between primary surgery and relaparotomy was 30.5 h, with a median overall hospital stay of 26.5 days; the 90-day mortality was zero. Based on these results, a step-by-step illustrated approach is described. CONCLUSIONS: This uncommon complication of early hemorrhage from pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy can be successfully managed by an enterotomy without endangering the pancreatic anastomosis. By this approach, a completion pancreatectomy may be prevented and the integrity of the anastomosis preserved.     

Congenital megacolon-Hirschsprung's disease: Megacolon treated by segmental resection

In considering the treatment of megacolon it may be stated that with preoperative preparation of the large bowel with sulfasuxidine it is possible to perform primary anastomosis on a practically empty colon and devoid of fear of postoperative peritonitis and intestinal fistula. The general condition of the patient is enhanced by the free use of blood transfusions and postoperative penicillin which has an inhibitory effect on anerobic streptococci and clostridial infections and the prevention of their causitive rôle in postoperative peritonitis. Thus this negligible surgical mortality will stimulate the more frequent use of surgery in the treatment of congenital megacolon replacing protracted medical treatment and its final high mortality rate as well as the operation of sympathectomy which besides its frequent failure sometimes by interrupting visceral sensory pathways fails to warn the patient of impaction or impending perforation.     

Diverticular disease complicated by peritonitis: role of conservative surgical therapy

Peritonitis complicating diverticular disease may be treated by sigmoid resection (with or without primary anastomosis) or by a conservative surgical approach, either laparoscopically or by open surgery. The choice depends on the severity of the peritonitis (Hinchey), the patient's conditions (ASA) and the surgeon's experience. Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis has a lower morbidity and mortality vs Hartmann's procedure. After the introduction of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery, exploratory laparoscopy combined with drainage has been proposed to treat acute episodes, followed by laparoscopic resection. Since 1982, over 1000 patients have been operated on for colorectal disease: 119 for complicated diverticulitis, 55 of which complicated by peritonitis. In the latter, we performed conservative surgery (25 patients) and resection (30 patients) laparoscopically or by open surgery. Our results show a higher morbidity and mortality for the Hartmann procedure vs sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis and a lower specific morbidity in patients undergoing laparoscopic exploration and drainage. Moreover, there was a low percentage (52%) of re-canalisations with the Hartmann procedure, with a morbidity of 32% associated with this procedure. In conclusion, we believe that a conservative laparoscopic surgical approach may be advocated in selected cases (Hinchey II and III without clear perforation), followed by laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, resection with primary anastomosis in Hinchey I or in cases of evident perforation with purulent or faecal peritonitis (possibly combined with a stoma), reserving the Hartmann procedure for compromised patients.     

Functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in children and adults

Background: In the past, children with ulcerative colitis were treated with a total colectomy, ileostomy and mucous fistula; ileal pouch?anal anastomosis was postponed until adulthood. The aim of the present study was to assess the functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch?anal anastomosis and determine whether it is justified to perform the operation in children when surgery is indicated. Methods: A retrospective review of 38 medical records was carried out, of which there were 19 paediatric patients and 19 adult patients (control). A questionnaire survey was conducted. Telephone interviews were carried out for the non‐respondents. Results: Sixteen patients in the paediatric group (nine boys, mean age: 12 years) and 16 patients in the adult group (10 men, mean age: 39 years) were available for analysis. There was no operative mortality. The mean bowel frequency per week was 37 and 42. Furthermore, bowel frequency during the day was slightly lower in the paediatric group. Children had marginally better continence than adults. In the quality of life assessment, the mean utilities in the paediatric group were 0.69 and 0.84 in the preoperative and postoperative status, respectively. These were similar to those in the adult group (0.62 and 0.82). Both groups achieved significantly favourable postoperative responses in terms of ability to perform social activity, recreation and enjoying food. Conclusions: Ileal pouch?anal anastomosis in children is safe, results in good functional outcome and improves the quality of life. Hence, it is justified to perform ileal pouch?anal anastomosis as soon as surgery is indicated rather than as a delayed procedure.     

Application of modified sequential organ failure assessment score in children after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the modified sequential organ failure assessment (m/SOFA) score for assessing morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Analysis of a prospectively collected database. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit of a university-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive pediatric patients (n = 142) undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The m/SOFA score, consisting of 5 organ scores (maximum score of 20 points), was calculated on admission (initial) and at 12 and 36 hours postoperatively. An initial score of >5 points with an unchanged or upward postoperative trend predicted a higher postoperative mortality and a greater need for intensive care intervention. In neonates, sustained higher score >10 points predicted an outcome of death with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 87%. Given the higher mortality related to immature organ function and a greater complexity of heart defects, the application of the m/SOFA score, a less invasive and simple way to assess organ damage, is especially suitable in neonates. The m/SOFA score would be more appropriately assessed according to the congenital heart defect or surgical procedure because the types of cardiac defect after the surgical repair affect each organ score measurement. CONCLUSION: Application of the m/SOFA score in the early postoperative period, which reflects cumulative perioperative organ damage, would provide some direction to eventual outcomes of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart defects undergoing surgery.     

急性A型主动脉夹层的急诊外科治疗体会(附八例报告)

目的提高急性A型主动脉夹层（acute type A aortic dissection．AAAD）的急诊外科治疗水平。方法2002年4月至2005年3月对8例AAAD行急诊手术,其中Bentall手术7例,Cabrol手术1例。结果手术死亡1例,死亡率12．5％。7例痊愈出院。随访3～40个月,术后远期因霉菌感染致冠状动脉吻合口破裂死亡1例。其余6例患者生活质量良好。心功能Ⅰ级3例、Ⅱ级3例。结论对AAAD采用积极急诊手术治疗,可提高患者生活质量。     

Totally endoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is associated with significant risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as prolonged convalescence due to effects of the incisions used for conventional surgical access. Because the outcome of this procedure is palliative in the majority of patients, it is possible that laparoscopic techniques could improve initial postoperative outcomes and therefore make surgery more acceptable for patients with esophageal cancer. A new technique is described for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, which incorporates a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach for gastric mobilization and a thoracoscopic approach for esophageal dissection and anastomosis. Initial experience in two patients has been encouraging, with postoperative hospital stay and convalescence shortened. Received: 17 December 1997/Accepted: 18 March 1998     

Laparoscopic stoma creation

Laparoscopic creation of an intestinal stoma may be preferable to an open operation. We report here our experience with faecal diversions. From April 1992 to April 2003 we performed 55 procedures (23 end colostomies for Miles operations; 21 end colostomies for Hartman procedures; 9 loop colostomies and 3 loop ileostomies). In 45 cases the procedure was completed laparoscopically. Ten (18%) of the cases required conversion due to bulky tumours (6 pts), obesity (2 pts) and adhesions (2 pts). The indications for diversions were rectovaginal fistula (1 pt), anastomosis leakage (1 pt), unresectable rectal cancer (21), rectal cancer resectable by Miles operation (20 pts). The two ileostomies were constructed to protect colo-anal anastomoses. The average duration of surgery was 50 minutes (range: 20-100) and 200 minutes in the case of Miles operations. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-5) and 7 days (range: 6-9) after a Miles operation. The demand for analgesics was far lower than with traditional surgery and did not continue after postoperative day two. We had no intraoperative complications. There was no mortality. During the follow-up period all the stomas have functioned well but a prolapse occurred in one case (2.6%). The laparoscopic creation of intestinal stomas is safe, feasible and effective and can be performed with a low morbidity rate. Stoma construction is the simplest of all laparoscopic procedures because it requires little dissection and only minimal mesenteric handling. The length of the procedure is longer in patients who have had prior surgery, but prior surgery is not a contraindication and a laparotomy can be avoided in the majority of patients. Patients who are obstructed or have significant bowel dilation are less prone to damage with laparoscopic procedures. In addition to the benefits of laparoscopic techniques for the patients, a laparoscopic colostomy may be ideal for the surgeon as a basic, initial step in the performance of laparoscopic colorectal procedures.