Restorative proctectomy after emergency laparoscopic colectomy for ulcerative colitis: a case-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of restorative proctectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) through a Pfannenstiel incision after prior laparoscopic colectomy.

METHODS: Seventeen patients who underwent restorative proctectomy after laparoscopic emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) were prospectively evaluated. Results were compared with results of a group of 21 case matched patients that had restorative proctectomy and IPAA via a midline incision in the same period.

RESULTS: Median operation time was longer, although not significantly, in patients who had a restorative proctectomy through a pfannenstiel (186 min) compared to a restorative proctectomy through a midline incision (158 min). Procedure related complications were comparable between the groups, respectively, 1 of 17 patients in the pfannenstiel group and 3 of 21 patients in the median laparotomy group. Median hospital stay in the pfannenstiel group was 10 days and in the midline group 12 days.

CONCLUSIONS: After laparoscopic assisted emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis, restorative proctectomy is feasible and can be performed safely through a Pfannenstiel incision.