Laparoscopic versus open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic ileocolic (LI) resection for Crohn's disease has several potential advantages over the traditional open technique. The objective of this study was to compare early surgical outcomes in patients having laparoscopic versus open ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease.


METHODS
Data collected prospectively from 21 patients having LI resection for Crohn's disease between 1995 and 2001 were compared to data from 19 patients having open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease between 1990 and 1995.


RESULTS
Patients in both groups had similar ages, sex distribution, and rates of previous abdominal surgery. Mean operating time was not significantly different between the groups. There was a nonsignificant trend to less postoperative analgesic requirement in the laparoscopic group. Resumption of liquid (P <.001) and solid (P =.01) diet, return of bowel function [flatus (P =.008), feces (P =.008)] and time to discharge (P =.001) all occurred significantly more quickly in the laparoscopic group. There was no difference in the rates of morbidity between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
LI resection for Crohn's disease appears to be safe and has comparable if not superior results to open surgery in the short term.
Huilgol
Ravi L
RL
Department of Colorectal Surgery and Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Wright
Caroline M
CM
Solomon
Michael J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome