Total laparoscopic proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy - A novel incisionless surgical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis

Background: This report describes the clinical benefits and safety of a novel (incisionless) laparoscopic operation for chronic ulcerative colitis. Methods: The medical records for four patients with the diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis who underwent "incisionless" laparoscopic proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy were reviewed. A novel technique was used for successfully performance of four total procto-cloectomies with end ileostomies that did not require abdominal incisions. The clinical outcomes measured included time to oral intake, time to ostomy output, operative time, postoperative and intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss, and length of stay. Results: All the patients recovered without incident intraoperatively and postoperatively. The operative times ranged from 330 to 550 min. Postoperative findings included median time to oral intake (2 days), median time to ileostomy output (2 days), and median length of stay (4 days). Conclusion: This case series demonstrates that an incisionless approach to chronic ulocerative colitis for patients who desire an end ileostomy may be feasible and safe, offering patients short-term recovery and cosmetic benefits.