RESUMO
The aim was to evaluate the reliability and safety of laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease and to report our preliminary results. A retrospective analysis of 20 patients undergoing a laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease was carried out between November 2003 and June 2005. First of all, we defined the inclusions and exclusions criteria which allowed us to select the patients who would be resected laparoscopically. Fistulizing disease, emergent surgery [perforation, occlusion], large mass and patients with previous laparotomy were excluded. Duration of operation, rate of conversion, complications and time from discharge from hospital were evaluated. Median operation time was 160 min. Conversion to laparotomy was needed in three cases. There was no death. Minor complications occured in 2 patients. Median postoperative time for discharge was 5 days. These preliminary results indicate that laparoscopic ileocecal resection is a feasible and safe alternative in patient with Crohn's disease offering many advantages thanks to a strict patient selection