Laparoscopic-assisted versus open ileocolic resection for adolescent Crohn disease

Background: Laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection for Crohn disease has been reported as an acceptable alternative to the open procedure in adults. We evaluated our experience with this procedure in the adolescent population. Methods: All adolescents undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn disease during a 3-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative and early postoperative results were analyzed, comparing those undergoing the laparoscopic-assisted approach with those having open resection. Results: Eleven patients (mean age, 15.6 years) underwent open and 12 patients (mean age, 16.5 years) underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection. None had undergone previous resection. The two groups did not differ with respect to time from diagnosis to surgery, indications for surgery, preoperative medical therapy, operative time, or length of intestine resected. One patient in the laparoscopic-assisted group was converted to an open procedure. There were no intraoperative complications in either group. Although no statistically significant differences were noted for number of days on narcotic, total dosage of narcotic, and time to regular diet, patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted resection Were discharged 2.2 days earlier (5.4 vs. 7.6; P<0.05). There was one wound infection and one intraabdominal abscess in the open resection group, and a single patient in the laparoscopic-assisted group with postoperative fever and a wound infection. Conclusions: Laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection is a safe alternative to open surgery in adolescent patients with Crohn disease.