Towards optimizing perioperative colorectal care: outcomes for 1,000 consecutive laparoscopic colon procedures using enhanced recovery pathways

BACKGROUND: Learning curves and efficiency concerns have slowed the integration of laparoscopy into colorectal practice. We evaluated our experience with laparoscopic colorectal (LC) surgery using enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs). METHODS: One thousand consecutive LC procedures performed by 2 surgeons over a 5-year period using previously published, standardized ERPs were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 59, and the mean body mass index was 29.5. Procedures included segmental colectomy (54%), proctectomy (19%), total colectomy (11%), ostomy (5%), and other procedures (11%). Diagnoses included malignancy (41%), diverticulitis (16%), inflammatory bowel disease (13%), and other (30%). The mean operative time was 151 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 55 mL. Conversion to an open surgery occurred in 5.8%, whereas 2.3% were performed using a hand-assist procedure. The mean hospital stay was 4.1 days (median 3), with a 6% readmission rate. Complications (20%) included mortality (0.3%), wound infection (4%), and anastomotic leak (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: LC surgery with ERP offers excellent outcomes with efficient use of resources. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.