Crohn Disease

Studies from University of Chicago, Department of Surgery further understanding of laparoscopy

Crohn Disease Library Library Home This article was published in Gastroenterology Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"Patients and disease-specific characteristics, intraoperative variables, and short-term and long-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed Overall, 146 consecutive patients were included in the study: 59 in the laparoscopic operation group and 87 in the open operation group. Laparoscopic patients were younger (p=.001), with a lower body mass index (BMI) (p=.008). Operative time was similar between the 2 groups. Blood loss was less in the laparoscopic group (p=.012), and postoperative blood transfusions were administered only to patients in the open group. Narcotic requirement, which was expressed as days on the IV narcotics and as morphine equivalent, was less in the laparoscopic group (p=.01). Duration of stay was less in the laparoscopic group, 5.5 versus 7.0 days, (p=.001). Using step-wise multiple regression analysis, the use of laparoscopic operation was associated with a lesser hospital stay (p <.05). Complication rates were similar, which included 1 anastomotic leak that required reoperation in each group. At a median follow-up of 19 months, there have been no disease recurrences In selected patients, laparoscopy leads to a faster recovery without increasing morbidity and without compromising remission," wrote A. Fichera and colleagues, University of Chicago, Department of Surgery.

The researchers concluded: "It should be considered a safe and effective alternative to open operation."

Fichera and colleagues published their study in Surgery (Laparoscopy or conventional open surgery for patients with ileocolonic Crohn's disease? A prospective study Surgery, 2007;142(4):566-71).

For additional information, contact A. Fichera, University of Chicago, Dept. of Surgery, Chicago, Illinois 60637 USA..

The publisher's contact information for the journal Surgery is: Mosby, Inc., 11830 Westline Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146-3318, USA.

Keywords: United States, Chicago, Crohn Disease, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopy, Surgery.

This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.