Laparoscopic vs open resection for the treatment of diverticular disease.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) offers any advantages over open colon resection (OCR) in the treatment of diverticular disease.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2002, 95 patients underwent LCR and 80 patients underwent OCR for the treatment of diverticular disease. Demographics, details of operative procedure, outcome, and pathology were compared.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, history of previous abdominal operations, comorbidities, location of the disease, and presence of complications. LCR resulted in significantly less estimated blood loss and postoperative complications, shorter time to first bowel movement, and shorter length of stay than the OCR. There was no difference in operative time, intraoperative complications, mortality rates between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LCR is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of patients with diverticular disease. It results in less estimated blood loss, shorter time to first bowel movement, less postoperative complications, and shorter length of hospital stay.