Should we adopt a "laparoscopy first" strategy? A comparison of 30-day outcomes between converted open from laparoscopic and planned open colectomy for volvulus

While the majority of colectomy for volvulus is performed by an open approach, laparoscopy can be used as a potentially safer alternative. However, conversion to open is needed when the laparoscopic approach is unsuccessful. This study aimed to compare the 30-day outcomes of patients who had converted open from laparoscopy vs planned open colectomy for volvulus to assess a possible "laparoscopy first" strategy. In addition, this study identified risk factors associated with the conversion during laparoscopy. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted colectomy database from 2012 to 2022 was utilized. Patients with volvulus as the primary indication for laparoscopic and open colectomy were selected. Patients who had a conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery and planned open surgery were further identified. A 1:5 propensity-score matching was applied to converted open and planned open to match sex, race and ethnicity, age, baseline characteristics, preoperative preparation, and indication for surgery (if emergent). Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were examined. There were 1774 (22.10%) and 6254 (77.90%) patients who underwent laparoscopic and planned open colectomy for volvulus, respectively. From laparoscopy, 336 (18.94%) patients were converted to open surgery and 1,680 planned open cases were matched to the converted open cases. After propensity-score matching, patients underwent converted open and planned open had a comparable mortality rate (5.06% vs 3.99%, p = 0.37). However, patients who underwent converted open surgery had higher risks of renal complications (2.68% vs 0.60%, p < 0.01), bleeding requiring transfusion (9.82% vs 6.55%, p = 0.04), and wound complications (17.86% vs 12.26%, p = 0.01). Risk factors associated with conversion from laparoscopic to open colectomy included perforation (aOR = 4.767, p < 0.01), obstruction (aOR = 2.223, p < 0.01), sepsis 48 h before surgery (aOR = 2.952, p < 0.01), chronic kidneys disease (aOR = 1.602, p = 0.01) and preoperative infection (aOR = 1.489, p = 0.03). These identified risk factors demonstrated both strong discriminative (c-statistics = 0.713) and predictive (Brier score = 0.132) powers for open conversion. While laparoscopy for colonic volvulus may offer safer outcomes, a ubiquitous "laparoscopy first" strategy may be approached with caution. The increased risks of complications upon conversion to open surgery, particularly in patients with identified risk factors, suggest that careful patient selection may be crucial.