Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis and natural orifice surgery extraction/minimal extraction site surgery in the obese

Background Despite advantages associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery, there is significant morbidity associated with incisions required for specimen extraction and restoration of bowel continuity. In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the length of the longest incision depends upon that required to facilitate extra-corporeal steps. The purpose of this study was to analyse obese patients (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)) who have undergone laparoscopic small bowel or right-sided colonic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) and natural orifice surgery extraction (NOSE)/minimal extraction site (MES) surgery. Methods A retrospective review of 11 obese patients who have undergone laparoscopic small bowel and right-sided colonic resection with ICA and NOSE/MES was conducted. Results Mean body mass index was 40.4 kg/m(2) (range 32.7-56 kg/m(2)) in 11 patients. Procedures performed were laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (7) - one with high anterior resection, pelvic peritonectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and greater omentectomy, small bowel resection (2), transverse colotomy (1) and segmental transverse colectomy (1). All colonic specimens were extracted via NOSE (vaginal colpotomy or transcolonic), except two requiring a miniaturized extraction wound. Small bowel specimens were extracted via a 12-mm port hole, without extension. Mean operating time was 240 min (range 100-510 min). Mean time to discharge was 4 days (range 4-6 days). Complications included a superficial wound infection in a patient presenting with an obstructed tumour and a second patient developed a seroma following small bowel resection for an incarcerated hernia. Conclusion Obese patients can undergo laparoscopic small bowel and right-sided colonic resection with ICA and NOSE/MES surgery and benefit from short length of stay and low morbidity.