Outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in obese and nonobese patients: a case-matched study of 180 patients.
BACKGROUND
Because it has been suggested that obese patients may be at higher risk of morbidity and mortality after surgery, we conducted a prospective case-matched study to compare outcomes of elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery in obese and nonobese patients.


METHODS
Sixty-two consecutive nonselected obese patients (body mass index > or =30 kg/m(2)) were matched with 118 nonobese patients. Postsurgical mortality and morbidity were defined as in-hospital death and complications.


RESULTS
Cardiopulmonary comorbidities were significantly more frequent in obese compared with nonobese patients (44% vs 24%, P < .01). Obesity was significantly associated with increased mean operating time (268 +/- 74 min vs 232 +/- 59 min, P < .001), and conversion rate (32% vs 14%, P < .01). The mortality rate was nil. The overall postsurgical morbidity rate (31% vs 19%, P = not significant) and mean hospital stay (11 +/- 10 days vs 9 +/- 8 days, P = not significant) were similar in obese and nonobese patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this large case-matched study suggest that laparoscopic approach for colorectal surgery is feasible and safe in obese patients.
Kamoun
Sandrine
S
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France.
Alves
Arnaud
A
Bretagnol
Frédéric
F
Lefevre
Jeremy H
JH
Valleur
Patrice
P
Panis
Yves
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome