Single access laparoscopic total colectomy for severe refractory ulcerative colitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: the stoma site incision. While intuitively appealing, there is sparse evidence for its use beyond feasibility. AIM: To examine the usefulness of single access laparoscopy (SAL) in a general series experience of patients sick with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: the stoma site on a near-consecutive basis by one surgical team using a "surgical glove port" allowing group-comparative and case-control analysis with a contemporary cohort undergoing conventional multiport surgery. Standard, straight rigid laparoscopic instrumentation were used without additional resource. RESULTS: = 20). Its comparative advantages were further confirmed in ten pairs case-matched for gender, body mass index and preoperative albumin. SAL outcomes proved durable in the intermediate term (median follow-up = 20 mo). CONCLUSION: Single port total colectomy proved useful in planned and acute settings for patients with medically refractory colitis. Assumptions regarding duration and cost should not be barriers to its implementation.