Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis.
Methods
Fourteen consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy (LSC) for diverticulitis were evaluated. Medical records from a control group of 14 matched patients undergoing traditional open sigmoid colectomy (OSC) for diverticulitis were reviewed for comparison.
Results
Mean age, operative time, morbidity, and mortality of the LSC and OSC groups were not significantly different. However, the mean estimated blood loss (171cc vs 321cc), days to p.o. liquids (2.9 vs 6.1), and postoperative stay (6.3 vs 9.2 days) were all significantly less in the LSC patients. Although the mean operating room charges were greater in the LSC patients ($10,589 vs $8,207) the mean total hospital charges ($29,981 vs $36,745) and costs ($11,528 vs $13,426) were markedly less.
Conclusions
Compared with OSC for diverticulitis, LSC results in a more rapid return of bowel function and shortened hospital stay. Despite the greater operating room charges of LSC, the total hospital charges and costs are lessened.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Carroll BJ, Phillips EH (1994) Nomenclature in laparoscopic colectomy. In Lezoche E (ed) Documento editoriale sir Milano. Scientific presentation at workshop on advanced laparoscopic surgery, L’Aquila, Italy, June
Homer JL (1958) Natural history of diverticulosis of the colon. Dig Dis Sci 3: 343–350
Franklin ME Jr, Ramos R, Rosenthal D, Schuessler W (1993) Laparoscopic colon procedures. World J Surg 17: 51–56
Monson JR, Darzi A, Carey PD, Guilloua PJ. (1992) Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy in an unselected group of patients. Lancet 340: 831–833
Phillips EH, Franklin M, Carroll BJ, Fallas M, Ramos R, Rosenthal D (1992) Laparoscopic colectomy. Ann Surg 216: 703–707
Welch CE, Allen AW, Donaldson GA (1953) An appraisal of resection of the colon for diverticulitis of the sigmoid. Ann Surg 138: 332–343
Wexner SD, Cohen SM, Johansen OB, Nogueras JJ, Jagelman DG (1993) Laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a prospective assessment and current perspective. Br J Surg 80: 1602–1605
Wexner SD, Johansen OB, Nogueras JJ, Jagelman DG (1992) Laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy. Dis Colon Rectum 35: 651–655
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Liberman, M.A., Phillips, E.H., Carroll, B.J. et al. Laparoscopic colectomy vs traditional colectomy for diverticulitis. Surg Endosc 10, 15–18 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649910002
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649910002