Elective laparoscopic colonic resection for diverticular disease

Background: We undertook a retrospective multicenter study of elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis in order to assess the safety and the results of the procedure performed by a large number of surgeons. Materials and methods: Between January 1998 and April 1999, the French Society of Laparoscopic Surgery recruited retrospectively 179 patients from 10 surgical units, operated on for elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. There were 94 men and 85 women with a mean age of 58 years (range, 30–82). The indications for surgery were acute attacks in 123 cases, complicated diverticulitis in 47 cases, and miscellaneous in 9 cases. Results: The performed procedure was a successful laparoscopic assisted sigmoidectomy in 154 cases (with totally intracorporeal anastomosis in 136 cases and hand-sewn anastomosis via small incision in 18 cases). The mean operation time was 223 min ± 79 (range, 100–480). There was no mortality and 23 complications occurred in 23 patients (14.9%). Postoperative ileus lasted 2.5 ± 0.9 days (range, 1–6), and oral intake started after 3.3 ± 1.3 days (range, 1–12). The mean postoperative stay was 9.3 days (range, 4–50). Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 25 cases (13.9%). The essential causes of conversion were obesity, severe adhesions, and colonic inflammation. The mean postoperative stay for the 25 converted patients was 13 ± 8.5 days (range, 7–42). Conclusion: Elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis is feasible and is safe. The complication and mortality rates are similar to those observed after open procedures. For experienced surgical teams, laparoscopic colonic resection is a good approach for selected patients suffering from symptomatic diverticulitis.