Laparoscopic approach for small bowel tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To review the outcome of laparoscopic small bowel resections as compared with open resection for small bowel tumors.


METHODS
Retrospective review comparing total laparoscopic to open resections for small bowel tumors from October 1998 to July 2005 in a single centre.


RESULTS
During the study period, 9 patients underwent laparoscopic resection, whereas 11 patients underwent open small bowel resection. Majority of the patients (75%) suffered from gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Median operative time in both groups was comparable, but the median operative blood loss was significantly less in the laparoscopic group. (5 vs. 165 mL, P=0.005). The amount of oral dologesic used postoperatively was similar, whereas the use of intravenous morphine was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (7.4 vs. 21.3 mg, P=0.007). The median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (7 vs. 12 d, P=0.018). For patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 2 patients (29%) in the laparoscopic group and 3 patients (38%) in the open group had recurrence of disease during follow-up (P=0.573).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic resection resulted in favorable short-term outcome compared with open resection for small bowel tumors in selected cases. The oncologic outcome is not compromised with this approach.
Tsui
David Ka Kin
DK
Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Eastern Nethersole Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, SAR, China. drkktsui@yahoo.com.hk
Tang
Chung Ngai
CN
Ha
Joe P
JP
Li
Michael K
MK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult