Hand-assisted Laparoscopy Versus Conventional Median Laparotomy for Aortobifemoral Bypass for Severe Aorto-iliac Occlusive Disease: A Prospective Randomised Study

ObjectivesTo demonstrate that hand-assisted laparoscopy for aortofemoral bypass for severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease reduces morbidity with earlier recovery of bowel function and shorter in-hospital stay.DesignRandomised controlled trial.Materials and methodsThirty-six consecutive patients with severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (TASK C/D) without history of major abdominal surgery necessitating an aortobifemoral bypass were randomised between a hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) approach and a conventional medial laparotomy. Operative data, early recovery data, quality of life and vascular outcome were analysed.ResultsNo significant differences in operative data were found. Fluid and solid diet were resumed earlier (28.8 hrs vs. 76.9 hrs; p = 0.016) (45.6 hrs vs. 105.6 hrs; p = 0.02) and in-hospital stay was shorter (7.5 vs. 8.9 days; p = 0.005) in the HALS group. Six weeks post-operatively social functioning measured by the SF-36survey score was better in patients randomised to HALS (p = 0.023).ConclusionsHALS is a less invasive approach for aortofemoral bypass.