A comparison of open and laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy in children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (RP) in children with the same operation performed using open surgery.


METHODS
Case-control comparison of two consecutive cohorts undergoing procto-colectomy by one surgeon. Outcome variables measured were: operating time, blood loss, hospital stay and complication rates.


RESULTS
Twenty-two children, mean age 13 years, underwent RP. Eleven laparoscopic cases were compared with the preceding open case. There was no difference in operating time (443 vs. 403 min, P = 0.479), blood loss (159 vs. 417 ml, P = 0.082), complication rate (4 vs. 1) or hospital stay (14 vs. 19 days, P = 0.192).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic RP is feasible and safe in children. The small number of children recruited may mask benefits in blood loss and hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery.
Tan
Y W
YW
Department of Paediatric Surgery, The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
Jaffray
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative / Q000379:methods*