[Laparoscopic colon surgery--from experiment to initial clinical experience].

The technique of Laparoscopic resection of the colon sigmoideum was practised in an experimental model before starting a clinical program of laparoscopic colonic surgery. Until now, two resections of the colon sigmoideum, one ileocecal resection, one right colectomy, one Hartmann's procedure and one transversostomy have been performed laparoscopically. Three patients had colonic carcinoma. One sigmoid resection had to be converted to open surgery and this patient underwent relaparotomy because of postoperative ileus. The postoperative course of the other patients was uncomplicated. The promising initial experience demonstrates that laparoscopic colonic surgery is feasible, although further studies have to prove advantages and indications, especially with respect to oncology.