Emergency laparoscopic colectomy: does it measure up to open?

BackgroundLaparoscopic colectomy has become the standard of care for elective resections; however, there are few data regarding laparoscopy in the emergency setting.MethodsBy using a database with prospectively collected data, we identified 94 patients who underwent an emergency colectomy between August 2005 and July 2008. Laparoscopic surgeries were performed in 42 patients and were compared with 25 patients who were suitable for laparoscopy but received open colectomy.ResultsThe groups had similar demographics with no differences in age, sex, or surgical indications. Blood loss was lower (118 vs 205 mL; P < 0.01) and the postoperative stay was shorter (8 vs 11 d; P = 0.02) in the laparoscopic patients, and perioperative mortality rates were similar between the 2 groups (1 vs 3; P = 0.29).ConclusionsWith increasing experience, laparoscopic colectomy is a feasible option in certain emergency situations and is associated with shorter hospital stay, less morbidity, and similar mortality to that of open surgery.