Introduction: During the last years laparoscopic surgical procedures are used more frequently in benign bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. We are reporting early results of laparoscopic procedures in Crohn's disease at our hospital.
Patients and method: From 1994 to 2003 54 patients (20 male and 34 female) underwent laparoscopic colonic and small bowel surgery in Crohn's disease. The mean age was 32 years (range: 16 to 55 years).
Results: Complications occurred in 6 patients (11.1 %). 3 patients needed a laparotomy. One computed tomography puncture was performed due to a hematoma. The remaining patients are treated successfully non-operatively. No patient died during the perioperative period. The mean operating time was 152 minutes (range 35 to 360 minutes) and the mean postoperative stay in hospital was 10 days (range 6-35 days). 0.2 blood cell concentrates were needed per operation (range 0 to 6), on average. The patients needed no analgesics after the 5 (th) day (range 1 to 13 days), got liquid diet on the 2 (nd) (range 0 to 6 days) and solid diet on the 3 (rd) day after surgery (range 1 to 14 days).
Discussion: Laparoscopic surgery in Crohńs disease is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. The laparoscopic procedure results in a better cosmetic result, while the longer operating time is the mean disadvantage. There are low complication rates during the early postoperative period.