Comparison of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic-assisted colon resection has been shown to result in earlier return of bowel function, decreased postoperative pain, decreased length of stay, and decreased morbidity when compared to open resection. Laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy often still involves externalization of the bowel for resection and anastomosis. The aim of this study was to determine short-term outcomes of performing intra- versus extracorporeal resection and anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy.