Total colectomy combined laparoscopy

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery have been reported to result in an earlier recovery of the bower movement, compared with conventional procedures. We describe 12 prospective cases of - total colectomy combined laparoscopy for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis, conducted between July 1994 and December 1998. No intra-operative complications were encountered in this series. The mean operative time was 282 min (range, 169 - 420 min) and the mean volume of operative blood loss was 321mL (range, 52-728 mL). Nasogastric tubes were removed after 1.2 postoperative days and the mean time to passage of stool was 1.9 days (range, 1-3 days). Total colectomy combined laparoscopy proved to be a one-stage restorative procedure, without a temporary ileostoma, due to early recovery of the intestine.