Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4281684 | The American Journal of Surgery | 2007 | 4 Pages |
BackgroundLaparoscopic colorectal surgery (LAP) has become more prevalent as evidence of its safety and benefits become apparent. However, in difficult cases, hand-assisted instrumentation has facilitated LAP. We examined the impact of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) on the treatment of sigmoid diverticular disease.MethodsThis is a retrospective study using a prospectively maintained database from January 1, 2000 through November 30, 2005. Patients were divided into 3 groups: open (n = 110), LAP (n = 17), and HALS (n = 98). Data include operative time, length of stay, surgical method, conversion rate, and reasons for conversion.ResultsSurgeries started as LAP were completed in that fashion 59% of the time, with 23% being converted to open and 18% converted to HALS (total 41%). HALS cases showed a 6% conversion rate to open surgery (OS). Duration of surgery and length of stay were similar between LAP and HALS.ConclusionsHALS should be considered the optimal approach for surgery for diverticular disease.