This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent Crohn’s disease. BJS 2003; 90: 970-973.
Published: 15th May 2003
Authors: H. Hasegawa, M. Watanabe, H. Nishibori, K. Okabayashi, T. Hibi, M. Kitajima et al.
Background
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for recurrent Crohn's disease, and the role of repeated laparoscopy in reoperation.
Method
Between January 1994 and May 2002, 61 laparoscopic operations were attempted in 52 patients with ileal or ileocolonic Crohn's disease. Of these, 16 procedures were performed for recurrence at the anastomotic site (recurrent group). The remaining 45 operations were performed as primary procedures (control group). The median follow‐up was 48 (range 3–90) months.
Results
The median time to reoperation was 46 months. The incidence of enteric fistula and the conversion rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. Although the operating time was significantly longer in the recurrent group, there were no differences in the rate of postoperative complications (three in the recurrent group and six in the control group) and hospital stay (both median 8 days).
Conclusion
Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent Crohn's disease is feasible in selected patients without an increase in conversion rate or postoperative complications. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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