title: Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in obese and nonobese patients: a prospective comparative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this prospective comparative study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1995 to December 2000, all patients (n = 77) undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 29) consisted of healthy, normal-weight patients (BMI, 18-24.9); group 2 (n = 27) consisted of overweight patients (BMI, 25.0-29.9); group 3 (n = 21) consisted of obese patients (BMI, 30.0-39.9). Groups 2 and 3 were compared with group 1.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group 1 was comprised of 13 women and 16 men with a mean age of 58.4 years (range, 37-78); group 2, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 55.2 years (range, 31-83); group 3, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 54.1 years (range, 33-86). There was no difference among the three groups in ASA classification, postoperative length of hospital stay, or inpatient rehabilitation. The operating time did not differ for groups 1 and 2 (187 vs 210 min, p = 0.6), but it was shorter in group 1 than in group 3 (187 vs 247 min, p = 0.003). The conversion rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 1, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (5.7 vs 7.7 days, p = 0.1), but it was longer for group 3 (8.5 days, p = 0.03). The morbidity rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 7, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. There were no perioperative deaths.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely in overweight and obese patients
authors.affiliation: Department of Digestive Surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, 49000 Angers, France. tuechjjchuangers@yahoo.com
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tuech
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Regenet
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hennekinne
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pessaux
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bergamaschi
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Arnaud
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors