Use of laparoscopic technique in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Introduction: An estimated 20-30% of patients with ulcerative colitis need surgery. The generally accepted procedure for the surgical treatment is total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Nowadays laparoscopic technique is used more frequently. Aim: Our aim was to compare the last 13 years results of patients treated with conventional and laparoscopic methods. Method: Between 01. 01. 2005 and 31. 05. 2018, 89 patients (n = 48 female, n = 41 male) received surgery. The mean age of the patients was 45.06 +/- 14.4 and 39.8 +/- 13.4 years in the laparoscopy and the open surgery groups. General status of patients, early and late results of surgical treatment, mainly complications and quality of life, were analyzed. Results: There was no difference between the groups in hospital stay (10.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 11.2 +/- 3.7 days) and need for transfusion (2.6 +/- 2.2 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.7 units). During the follow-up period, the time to the recovery of the bowel function (1.2 +/- 0.5 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.7 days), the number of days spent in the intensive care unit (2.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.5 +/- 1.6 days) and the occurrence of late complications, such as intestinal obstruction, septic condition, postoperative hernias and 'other' complications were significantly lower in the laparoscopically operated group of patients. In the case of acute operations, the laparoscopic technique provided significantly better recovery of the bowel function (1.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.7 days). Conclusion: During the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis, the minimally invasive technique provided more favourable perioperative results and a better long-term quality of life due to the lower rate of late complications and the more stable psychic status.