Elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis. Results of a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
We undertook a prospective evaluation of elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis in order to assess the risks and benefits of this approach.


METHODS
Between November 1992 and November 1996, 54 consecutive patients were included in this study. Their mean age was 59 +/- 13 years (range, 36-81). The number of attacks of diverticulitis before colectomy ranged from one to four (mean, 2.2 +/- 0.7). The operative technique consisted of elective division of the inferior mesenteric vessels, left colonic flexure mobilization, and colorectal anastomosis using the cross-stapling technique.


RESULTS
Five procedures (9.2%) were converted. The primary cause for conversion was obesity. These patients had a simple postoperative course. There were no postoperative deaths. Three patients (6.1%) developed abdominal complications, and four patients (8.2%) had abdominal wall complications. Postoperative paralytic ileus lasted only 2.3 +/- 0.7 days (range, 1-6), allowing for a rapid reintroduction of regular diet. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.4 +/- 2.7 days (range, 4-15).


CONCLUSIONS
Elective laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis is feasible in most cases. In most cases, the operative risk is low and the postoperative course is uneventful. Elective sigmoid laparoscopic colectomy should be considered a good therapeutic option for symptomatic diverticulitis.
Smadja
C
C
Department of General Surgery, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, 157 rue de la Porte de Trivaux, F-92140 Clamart, University Paris XI, France.
Sbai Idrissi
M
M
Tahrat
M
M
Vons
C
C
Bobocescu
E
E
Baillet
P
P
Franco
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000601:surgery*; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome