Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) as surgical option in Crohn's disease: our experience

Abstract

AIM :Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a newer technique which is increasing in popularity. The benefit of SILS in complex Crohn's disease (CCD), which includes a significant cohort of young patients sometimes needing multiple operations has not been comprehensively assessed. This study analyses our early experience with this technique. METHOD: Patients who underwent SILS for CCD were included. Data were collected prospectively from Januray 2013 to December 2015. Ileocolic resections, right hemicolectomy, small bowel stricturoplasties and resections were included in the CCD cohort. Primary and re-do surgeries were analysed separately. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included: 39 ileocolic resections, 6 small bowel stricturoplasty/resections. Of the total, 27 were primary resections and 18 were re-do resections. In overall, the median age was 41 years (Range – 14 years–72 years), the median hospital stay was 8 days (Range - 3 days–28 days). Three patients from primary (11%) and 2 from re-do group (11%) had to be converted to open surgery. Total complication rate was 35.5% including 31.1% Clavien Dindo 1 and 2. In term of operating time, average blood loss, conversion rates, complication rate and hospital stay, there was no significant difference between the groups. Six months follow-up showed no major complications. CONCLUSION:We have demonstrated the feasibility of SILS in patients with CCD undergoing both primary and re-do surgeries. There were no significant differences between the two groups. More robust data and longer follow-up is needed in future studies to evaluate this further.