Hand-assisted laparoscopic operations in colorectal surgery

This article presents the results of 12 hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomies compared to 20 open operations. Operations were performed for malignant diseases, polyposis and diverticular disease. Anastomoses were made using stapling devices. There were no anastomotic dehiscences or leakages. Complications were evaluated using Clavien-Dindo classification. Postoperative complications occurred in 8,3% of patients after hand assisted laparoscopic operations and in 20% of patients after open surgery (p > 0,05). No statistical significant differences in severity of complications were found. Mean operative time was 169 ± 41 minutes for hand-assisted operations and 151 ± 37 minutes for open surgery. Length of hospital stay was 4,4 ± 1,0 days and 7,7 ± 2,1 days respectively (p