Laparoscopic versus Open Approach for Aortobifemoral Bypass for Severe Aorto-iliac Occlusive Disease – A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo investigate differences between open and laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease on postoperative morbidity and mortality.DesignA multicentre randomised controlled trial.MethodsBetween January 2007 and November 2009, 28 patients with severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (TASC II C or D) were randomised between laparoscopic and open approach at one community hospital and one university hospital (TASC = Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus on the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease).ResultsThe operation time was longer for the laparoscopic approach (mean 4 h 19 min (2 h 00 min to 6 h 20 min) vs. 3 h 30 min (1 h 42 min to 5 h 11 min); p = 0.101)). Nevertheless, postoperative recovery and in-hospital stay were significantly shorter after laparoscopic surgery. Also oral intake could be restarted earlier (mean 20 h 34 min (6 h 00 min to 26 h 55 min) vs. 43 h 43 min (19 h 40 min to 77 h 30 min); p = 0.00014)) as well as postoperative mobilisation (walking) (mean 46 h 15 min (16 h 07 min to 112 h 40 min) vs. mean 94 h 14 min (66 h 10 min to 127 h 23 min); p = 0.00016)). Length of hospitalisation was shorter (mean 5.5 days (2.5–15) vs. mean 13.0 days (7–45); p = 0.0095)). Visual pain scores and visual discomfort scores were both lower after laparoscopic surgery. Also return to normal daily activities was achieved earlier. There were no major complications in both groups.ConclusionLaparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease is a safe procedure with a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity and in-hospital stay and earlier recovery.