Published online Aug 15, 2014. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.200
Revised: April 9, 2014
Accepted: May 29, 2014
Published online: August 15, 2014
Processing time: 249 Days and 3.9 Hours
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with surgery still frequently necessary in its treatment. Since the 1990’s, laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly common for primary resections in patients with Crohn’s disease and has now become the standard of care. Studies have shown no difference in recurrence rates when compared to open surgery and benefits include shorter hospital stay, lower rates of wound infection and decreased time to bowel function. This review highlights studies comparing the laparoscopic approach to the open approach in specific situations, including cases of complicated Crohn’s disease.
Core tip: Laparoscopy is now increasingly used in cases of Crohn’s disease. Recurrence rates are similar to that of open surgery and studies have shown benefits of decreased hospital stay as well as earlier bowel function. This review highlights several studies that looked at patients who underwent ileocolic and colon resections as well as more complicated cases of Crohn’s.