Elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease has fewer complications than conventional surgery: a meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
We performed a meta-analysis of published literature comparing the complications after open and laparoscopic elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease.


METHODS
Electronic databases were searched from January 1991 to March 2009. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.


RESULTS
Nineteen comparative studies involving 2,383 patients were analyzed. There were 1,014 patients in the laparoscopic group and 1,369 patients in the open group. There was no significant heterogeneity among any of the complications analyzed. Patients in the laparoscopic sigmoid resection group had fewer wound infections (fixed effects model: risk ratio [RR], .54; 95% confidence interval [CI], .36-.80; z, -3.05; P < .01; random effects model: RR, .59; 95% CI, .39-.89; z, -2.54; P < .05), blood transfusions (fixed effects model: RR, .25; 95% CI, .10-.60; z, -3.10; P < .01; random effects model: RR, .28; 95% CI, .11-.68; z, -2.81; P < .01), and ileus rates (fixed effects model: RR, .37; 95% CI, .20-.66; z, -3.34; P = .001; random effects model: RR, .37; 95% CI, .20-.68; z, -3.21; P = .001) compared with open sigmoid resections. No difference was seen for medical complications, need for rehospitalization, and reoperation.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic sigmoid resection is safe and has fewer postoperative surgical complications. This approach should be considered for elective cases, however, more randomized controlled trials are required to strengthen the evidence.
Siddiqui
Muhammad Rafay Sameem
MR
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom. md0u812a@mac.com
Sajid
M S
MS
Qureshi
S
S
Cheek
E
E
Baig
M K
MK
D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*