Laparoscopic approach to treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis: changes in the spectrum of indications and results of a prospective, multicenter study on 1,545 patients.

Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze changes regarding the indications for and results of laparoscopic treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis.

Methods: The data were collected within the framework of an ongoing prospective multicenter study carried out by the Lapa roscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group and were submitted to a statistical subgroup analysis. The institutions participating in the study were divided into three groups by experience (Group I, >100 procedures; Group II, 30-100 procedures; Group III, < 30 procedures).

Oncological quality and preliminary long-term results in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Background: Our aim here was interpret data on the perioperative course, oncological quality, and preliminary long-term results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery carried out with a curative intent.

Methods: The data were collected within the framework of a prospective multicenter observational study that has been ongoing since 1 Aug 1995 and includes 46 hospitals. Of a total of 3133 patients, 826 (26.

Laparoscopic treatment of rectal prolapse: experience gained in a prospective multicenter study.

Background: We report the findings of a prospective multicenter observational study carried out by the Study Group for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery on patients undergoing laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted surgery for rectal prolapse. The study investigated the safety of various laparoscopic techniques in terms of perioperative and postoperative general and technique-specific complications and compared the results with those reported for open surgery in this area.

Methods: Of the 150 patients undergoing laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery for rectal prolapse 124 received rectopexy combined with resection and 26 rectopexy alone.

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and anterior resection with curative intent for carcinoma of the rectum.

Background: Within a 5-year period, 380 rectal carcinoma patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision or laparoscopic anterior resection were recruited to a multicenter study by 23 institutions in Germany and Austria. This study was initiated by the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group.

Results: One hundred forty-nine patients (39.

Laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. Results of a registry.

At the present time, laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum cannot be recommended for routine use. Such operations should be performed for curative intent only within scientifically valid studies. Furthermore, only interventions involving the upper part of the rectum or the rectosigmoidal junction can, on the basis of the morbidity rate, be justified.