ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the main surgical treatment for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). With the advancements of minimal-invasive surgery, proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis is increasingly being done by laparoscopic methods. This report aims to compare the presumed benefits of the laparoscopic approach with that of open surgery. METHODS: We reviewed 25 patients who underwent total proctocolectomy with IPAA between 1994 and 2009. The data of 9 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery was analyzed and compared with the data of 16 patients who underwent the conventional open surgery. RESULTS: Laparoscopic proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) was performed successfully without severe complications in 9 patients. The mean operation time of the laparoscopic group was 352 min, and this was significantly longer than that of the conventional group (252 min). The mean intra-operative blood loss, time to first flatulance, the hospital stay and the time to starting an oral diet were not significantly different from that of the open group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic IPAA is a feasible and safe procedure due to the reduced trauma and pain and a more favorable cosmetic result. As the technique and instrumentation for laparoscopic colon surgery are developed, this procedure will likely become an appealing option for the management of patients with FAP.