Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis: a prospective study in the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility and the complications or benefits of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in patients aged 75 years or more.


METHODS
From January 1993 to December 1999, 85 patients underwent an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis. Twenty-two patients over 75-years old (group 1) were compared to 63 younger patients (group 2).


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 35 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 53.7 years (range: 38-74) (P = 1.10-14). The operative time was shorter in group 2 (183 vs. 234 min). There was no difference between the 2 groups with regard to the postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required (5.4 vs. 5.2 days, P = 0.48) and the postoperative morbidity (18% vs. 14%, P = 0.06). Postoperative length of hospital stay (13.1 vs. 8.8 days, P = 0.003) was shorter in group 2 than in group 1. There was no perioperative mortality. Conversion rate was 9% (group 1) and 6% (group 2) (P = 0.6).


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to older patients with fewer complications, less pain, shorter hospital stay and a rapid return to preoperative activity levels.
Tuech
J J
JJ
Dept of Digestive Surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, 49000 Angers, France.
Pessaux
P
P
Regenet
N
N
Rouge
C
C
Hennekinne
S
S
Bergamaschi
R
R
Arnaud
J P
JP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*