Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for primary surgery in medically refectory ulcerative colitis: a case series

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Medically refractive ulcerative colitis (UC) requires surgical intervention. Due to the ongoing inflammation in the colon this patient group is considered as high risk. Primary surgery includes subtotal colectomy (STC) as the first step of a staged restorative procedure, restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) or panproctocolectomy (PPC) with end ileostomy. Single incision surgery is gaining popularity in this group of patients. METHOD: Patients who underwent single incision surgery for medically refractory UC from 2013 January to 2015 December were prospectively followed up. Demographics, hospital stay and early complications were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the medians. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (male – 24, median age – 41.5 years; range 17–69 years) were included. There were 21 STCs, 9 PPCs and 4 RPCs done as primary surgery for medically refractory UC. The median hospital stay was 7 days (4–41 days). Four out of 34 patients had a complication with Clavien-Dindo score above 3; (2-re-operation for obstruction (5%), 2 required intensive care for sepsis (5%). Two procedures (5.8%) had to be converted strategically to open. Three patients had cancer in the resected specimen. The median age of those who had PPC was significantly higher compared to those who had restorative procedures (48 years: range 17–69 Vs 38 years: range 34–64; P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Single incision surgery for medically refractory UC is safe with an acceptable complication profile in this group of medically unwell patients. The quality of life implications of this procedure require further evaluation.