Laparoscopic ileocecal resection in Crohn disease

Laparoscopic intestinal surgery has theoretical advantages compared with conventional intestinal surgery by minimizing the surgical trauma. The aim of the study was to examine the operative and postoperative course as well as the time for recovery after laparoscopic-assisted ileocoecal resection for Crohn's disease. Seventeen patients were operated on. The operations were assessed with regard to duration of operation, rate of conversion to open procedure, complications, time for discharge from hospital, and ability to take up work. Median operation time was 145 min. Two operations (12%) were converted to open procedure. Complications occurred in three patients (18%). Median postoperative time to discharge was five days. Median time to return to work was 26 days. In conclusion laparoscopic-assisted ileocoecal resection seems suited to Crohn's disease, but the benefit of the method needs confirmation in controlled, randomized studies.