Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for occlusive disease. Early and mid-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early and mid-term results of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for aorto-iliac reconstruction.

DESIGN: Prospective survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2002 and January 2004, 46 patients received an aortobifemoral bypass for advanced occlusive disease by HALS.

RESULT: There was one conversion to open surgery. Mortality was 4.5%. The median return to solid oral diet took 36 h (24-182), the median hospital stay was 5 days (3-26). Primary patency rate at 1 year was 97.5%. The incidence of incisional hernia was 19.5%.

CONCLUSIONS: HALS aorto-iliac reconstruction should be considered as a minimal invasive technique with good early and mid-term results.