[Elective laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis. Prospective study of 56 cases].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility and postoperative advantages of the laparoscopic-assisted elective colectomy for diverticular disease.


METHODS
From january 1989 to december 1997, among the 114 patients electively operated on for diverticulitis, 56 patients were treated by laparoscopic approach. Evaluated parameters included: gender, age, weight, size, ASA score, operating time, duration of hospital stay, of analgesic treatment, and of postoperative ileus, morbidity and mortality rate.


RESULTS
The study group consisted of 35 women and 21 men. Mean age was 59 years (34-81 years); 29 patients were ASA 1 and 27 ASA 2. Overall postoperative mortality rate was 0% and morbidity rate 16% (n = 9). There were no complications directly related to laparoscopic technique. The conversion rate was 14% (n = 8). Mean operating time was 300 min (200-600 min). Mean duration of postoperative ileus was 2.4 days. Mean duration of hospital stay was 9.4 days.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the feasibility of elective laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection for diverticular disease in more than 80% of cases with a postoperative morbidity and mortality rate comparable to those of conventional surgery.
Burgel
J S
JS
Service de chirurgie C, hôpital Saint-Eloi, Montpellier, France.
Navarro
F
F
Lemoine
M C
MC
Michel
J
J
Carabalona
J P
JP
Fabre
J M
JM
Domergue
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome