title: Metaanalysis of trials comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for Crohn's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies in the literature have suggested that laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease is associated with faster postoperative recovery and a morbidity and recurrence rate similar to that for open surgery. Most of these studies have been limited by a small sample size and a short follow-up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  To clarify whether open or laparoscopic resection results in a better outcome, a metaanalysis of studies was performed comparing the two procedures for Crohn's disease. Pooled effects were estimated using a random-effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic surgery required more operative time than open surgery (26.8 min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.4-47.2 min), but resulted in a shorter duration of ileus and a decreased hospital stay (-2.62 days; 95% CI, -3.62 to -1.62). Laparoscopic surgery also was associated with a decreased rate for postoperative bowel obstruction and surgical recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease is feasible, safe, and associated with shorter duration of ileus and a shorter hospital stay.
authors.affiliation: Section of Gastroenterology and Medicine Program, Bronx VAMC and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. Alan.Rosman@Med.VA.Gov
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Rosman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Melis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fichera
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology