[Laparoscopy-assisted colonic surgery. Initial experience. Apropos of 49 cases].
From November 1993 to December 1995, 49 colonic operations were performed by a videolaparoscopic assisted approach. Indications were malignant conditions in 10 cases, benign diseases in 39 cases (diverticular disease: 28, benign tumour: 9, reversal of Hartmann's procedure: 1, volvulus: 1). Conversion to a classical procedure was necessary in 6 patients. There was no mortality and 6 postoperative complications (3 reoperations). Colonic surgery this type of (laparoscopic-assisted operations) is technically feasible. It reduces the rate of post-operative wound complications and decreases the post-operative stay. It can be recommended for the surgical treatment of benign colonic diseases.