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fiogf49gjkf04 Observational studies and small randomized controlled trials have shown that the use of laparoscopy in colon resection for diverticular disease is feasible and results in fewer complications.
Dr Andrew Russ and colleagues analyzed data from a large, prospectively maintained, multicenter database to determine whether the use of laparoscopy in the elective treatment of diverticular disease decreases rates of complications compared with open surgery, independent of preoperative comorbid factors.
The analysis included data from 6970 patients who underwent elective surgeries for diverticular disease from 2005 to 2008.
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| Complications occurred with lower incidence after laparoscopy |
| Gastroenterology |
Patients with diverticular disease were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision codes and then categorized into open or laparoscopic groups based on Current Procedural Terminology codes.
Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed to determine factors associated with increased risk for postoperative complications.
The research team analyzed data from 3468 patients who underwent open surgery and 3502 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures.
The team corrected for probability of morbidity, American Society of Anesthesiology class, and ostomy creation.
The research team noted that the overall complications occurred with significantly lower incidence among patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures compared with those who received open operations.
Dr Russ' team concludes, "The use of laparoscopy for treating diverticular disease, in the absence of absolute contraindications, results in fewer postoperative complications compared with open surgery."
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