title: Laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomies have similar short-term results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) is a complex procedure. It is possible that short-term benefits for segmental resections cannot be attributed to this complex procedure. This study aims to assess differences in short-term results for laparoscopic versus open STC during a 15-year single-institute experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective or subacute STC from January 1997 to December 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-six laparoscopic and 50 open STCs were performed. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, median 266 min (range 121-420 min), compared to 153 min (range 90-408 min) in the open group (p < 0.001). Median hospital stay showed no statistical difference, 14 days (range 1-129 days) in the laparoscopic and 13 days (range 1-85 days) in the open group. Between-group postoperative complications were not statistically different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic STC has short-term results similar to the open procedure, except for a longer operation time. The laparoscopic approach for STC is therefore only advisable in selected patients combined with extensive preoperative counseling.
authors: Department of Surgery, Medical Centre Leeuwarden and the Leeuwarden Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Leeuwarden, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors: Froukje J
authors: FJ
authors: Hoogenboom
authors: Robbert J I
authors: RJ
authors: Bosker
authors: Henk
authors: H
authors: Groen
authors: Wilhelmus J H J
authors: WJ
authors: Meijerink
authors: Bas
authors: B
authors: Lamme
authors: Jean Pierre E N
authors: JP
authors: Pierie
mesh_terms: D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome