Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2007; 20(4): 329-335
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-991033
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Laparoscopy in Crohn's Disease

Murali N. Naidu1 , Alfred C. Trang1 , Barry A. Salky1
  • 1Division of Laparoscopic Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 October 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Crohn's disease represents a challenging operative dilemma. The nature of the disease increases the technical complexity of operations, their morbidity, and the likelihood of multiple operations. In this setting, the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, including shorter hospital stays, less adhesion formation, fewer wound complications, and faster recovery of bowel function, are particularly beneficial to the patient. Patients with Crohn's disease requiring operations in the elective and semi-elective setting can all be approached initially laparoscopically. The surgeon's skill set should include extensive experience in advanced laparoscopic bowel surgery as well as open management of Crohn's disease and its complications. Strict adherence to the basic tenet of bowel preservation is imperative. The operations most commonly performed for Crohn's disease include diagnostic laparoscopy, stricturoplasty, small bowel resection, ileocolic resection, colectomy, repair of fistulae, and gastrojejunostomy for bypass of gastric or duodenal disease. Postoperative management includes resumption of steroids, typically without the need for “stress-dosing,” bowel rest for a short period, and pain control, which is also less than that experienced with a laparotomy.

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Barry A SalkyM.D. 

Division of Laparoscopic Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

5 E. 98th St., Box 1259, New York, NY 10029

Email: barry.salky@mountsinai.org