Reduced port versus conventional laparoscopic total proctocolectomy and ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis.

Background: The feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) were first reported in 2010. To improve accuracy and efficiency while maintaining the cosmetic advantages of single-incision laparoscopic surgery, we have since modified the technique to include the use of a 5-mm instrument placed through the eventual drain site. The aim of this study is to compare reduced port laparoscopic (RPL) IPAA with conventional laparoscopic IPAA with respect to short-term outcomes to assess safety.

Methods: RPL cases were matched to conventional laparoscopy cases for patient age (±5 years), body mass index, gender, diagnosis, type and number of stages of surgical procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and year of surgery (±3 years). Groups were compared using χ(2) or Fisher exact tests for categorical and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for quantitative data.

Results: Twenty-four RPL patients were case-matched to an equal number of patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic IPAA. Short-term outcomes including postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and time to first bowel movement were similar between groups. Despite similar diagnosis, previous surgery, and comorbidity, operative blood loss (p < 0.001) and operating time (p = 0.02) were lower for the RPL group.

Conclusion: RPL IPAA can be safely performed with short-term outcomes comparable to conventional laparoscopy.