Abordaje quirúrgico y evolución posoperatoria en reintervenciones de complicaciones en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, 15 años de experiencia / Surgical approach and postoperative clinical course in reinterventions for complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery: 15 years of experience

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar tres abordajes quirúrgicos (abierto, laparoscópico y laparoscópico convertido) para el manejo de complicaciones posoperatorias en cirugía colorrectal electiva realizadas primariamente por vía laparoscópica. Materiales y Método: Este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo incluyó pacientes reoperados después de una cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica electiva, agrupándose según la vía de abordaje de reoperación: abierta (RVA), laparoscópica (RVL) y laparoscópica convertida (RVLC). Las variables estudiadas fueron: preoperatorias (edad, sexo, puntuación ASA, IMC, comorbilidades e historia quirúrgica); operatorias (causa de reoperación, latencia para reoperación, tiempo operatorio, cirugía realizada y causa de conversión); y posoperatorias (tránsito intestinal, días de hospitalización, días de UCI, complicaciones médicas, infección del sitio quirúrgico, evisceración, transfusión y mortalidad a los 30 días). Resultados: Sin diferencias significativas para las variables preoperatorias y operatorias. En cuanto a las variables posoperatorias, el grupo de reoperaciones por vía laparoscópica, tuvo menos días de hospitalización (p = 0,012), menos días de UCI (p = 0,001) y un tránsito intestinal más rápido para reaparición de gases, heces y retorno a dieta sólida (p = 0,008, p = 0,029, p = 0,030, respectivamente). No hubo diferencias significativas en la infección del sitio quirúrgico, la evisceración, las complicaciones médicas, la transfusión y la mortalidad. Discusión y Conclusión: Este estudio reveló una mejor evolución clínica posoperatoria en el grupo de reoperación laparoscópica, con menor estancia hospitalaria y en UCI, y reducción del íleo posoperatorio, sin aumento de la morbimortalidad. Por lo tanto, la reoperación laparoscópica en cirugía colorrectal podría ser el abordaje más adecuado en pacientes debidamente seleccionados.

Aim: To compare three approaches (laparoscopic, open, and conversion of laparoscopic approach) for the management of intra-abdominal surgical complications after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Materials and Method: This was a retrospective cohort study including patients who required reoperation due to an intra-abdominal surgical complication after initial elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Patients were grouped according to the reoperation approach-laparoscopic reoperation, laparoscopic reoperation that required conversion to open surgery, and open reoperation. Pre-operative variables (age, gender, ASA score, BMI, comorbidities, and surgical history), operative variables (cause of reoperation, latency for reoperation, operative time, surgery performed, and cause of conversion), and post-operative variables (intestinal transit, hospital days, ICU days, medical complications, surgical site infection, evisceration, transfusion and 30-day mortality), were compared between groups. Results: There were no significant differences between groups among the pre-operative and operative variables. In terms of post-operative variables, the laparoscopic reoperation group, had fewer hospital days (p = 0.012), fewer ICU days (p = 0.001), and faster intestinal transit regarding gas, stool and return to solid diet (p = 0.008, p = 0.029 and p = 0.030, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in surgical site infection, evisceration, medical complications, transfusion, and mortality. Discussion and Conclusión: This study revealed better post-operative clinical course in the laparoscopic reoperation group, with shorter hospital and ICU stay, and reduced postoperative ileus, without increased morbidity or mortality. Laparoscopic reoperation for complications after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery may therefore be the preferred approach.

Educational Benefits of Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography for Surgical Beginners During Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and to explore its educational benefits in surgical beginners. METHODS: From July to October of 2015, a total of 21 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery using the fluorescence-guided imaging system, IMAGE1 S™ (Karl Storz, Germany). Real-time ICG fluorescence images and red inversion images were juxtaposed with standard white-light images for assessment of colonic perfusion. A surgical beginner group comprised of medical students (n=11) and surgical residents (n=11) were then questioned postoperatively about the colonic transection line and mesenteric vascular integrity across various image modes to determine the most proper view for surgical decision. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery using ICG angiography. Mean patient age was 69.7 years (52~77 years). Mean time-to-detection for the marginal arteries and colonic wall were 26.7 (range, 4~45) and 47.3 (range, 20~77) seconds, respectively. No injection-related adverse events were observed. Rate of change in the colonic transection line across modes was 59.9% (33.3~66.7%) in the surgical beginners. Decisions made by surgical beginners on the transection line were varied with the standard image, but converged to 81.8% in the ICG with red inversion mode. Surgical beginners preferred ICG with red inversion mode for assessment of mesenteric vascular integrity. CONCLUSION: ICG angiography seems to be safe and useful in evaluating colonic perfusion for transection decisions and could have educational benefits for surgical beginners in training to make surgical decisions.

Factores predictivos de reintervención en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica / Predictive factors for reoperation after colorrectal laparoscopic surgery

Introducción: son varios los criterios que se han propuesto para determinar los factores predictivos de complicaciones en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica. Objetivo: identificar los posibles factores predictores de reintervención después de cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica. Métodos: se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes reintervenidos por complicaciones después de cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso (CNCMA), en el período comprendido de enero de 2007 a diciembre de 2011. A través de un modelo de regresión logística, se estudió la asociación entre la reintervención y las siguientes variables independientes: edad, sexo, enfermedad de base (indicación quirúrgica), tiempo quirúrgico, tipo de anastomosis, tipo de sutura mecánica. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor p < 0,05. Resultados: se reintervinieron 27 pacientes de 330 operados. La técnica quirúrgica (Dixon bajo) y el tipo de anastomosis (extracorpórea) fueron las variables que se asociaron de manera estadísticamente significativa con la presencia de reintervención en la cirugía colorrectal. Conclusiones: la técnica quirúrgica (Dixon bajo) y el tipo de anastomosis (extracorpórea) son posibles factores predictivos de reintervención en los operados de enfermedades colorrectales por vía laparoscópica(AU)

Introduction: numerous criteria have been stated in order to determine predictive factor for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Objective: to identify possible predictive factors for reoperation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods: the medical records of re-operated patients due to complications after laparoscopic colorectal surgery at the National Center of Minimal Access Surgery were checked from January 2007 to December 2011. A logistic regression model allowed analyzing the association between reoperation and the following independent variables: age, gender, underlying disease (surgery indications), surgical time, type of anastomosis, type of mechanical suture. The statistically significant value of p< 0.05 was taken. Results:twenty seven out of 330 patients with laparoscopic colorectal surgery were re-operated. The surgical procedure (low Dixon) and type of anastomosis (extracorporeal) showed statistically significant association with reoperation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Conclusions: the surgical procedure (low Dixon) and type of anastomosis (extracorporeal) were possible predictive factors for re-operation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery(AU)

Risk of postoperative deep venous thrombosis in patients with colorectal cancer treated with open or laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Whether the incidence rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) between laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery the same or not were under the debated without conclusion. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of DVT after laparoscopic or open colorectal cancer surgery by meta‑analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The open published articles comparing the incidence of DVT after laparoscopic or open colorectal cancer were collected in the data bases of Medline, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials and CNKI. The relative risk (RR) was pooled by using random or fixed effect mode to evaluate the incidence of DVT between laparoscopic or open colorectal cancer surgery. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 9 randomized clinical studies with 2606 colorectal cancer cases were included in this meta‑analysis. The mean operation time was 201.8 ± 17.28 min with its range of 180.0–224.4 min in the laparoscopic surgery group and 148.1 ± 18.8 min with its range of 135.0–184.0 min in the open surgery group. The operation time for laparoscopic surgery group were significant lower than in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). The RR of DVT between the laparoscopy and open surgery groups was 0.71 with its 95% confidence interval of 0.35–1.45 (P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: The operation time in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery was statistical longer than in the open colorectal cancer surgery, but the DVT risk of the two surgery approach was not different according to this meta‑analysis.

Two-year experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a healthcare service in Salvador: a critical analysis / Dois anos em cirurgia colorretal videolaparoscopica em um servico em Salvador: uma analise critica

INTRODUCTION: laparoscopic colorectal surgery has become a viable access route since the beginning of 1990, using Jacobs' technique. Its outcomes are decrease in hospitalization length, early return to routine activities, better esthetic results and less postoperative pain. OBJECTIVE: to report a series of patients treated by a team using videolaparoscopic access route in colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS : retrospective, descriptive study carried out in Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil, from April of 2010 to May 2012. RESULTS: a total of 81 procedures were analyzed; 59.3% of cases were females, mean age was 58.3 years. Benign illness was treated in 48.1% to the patients. Rectosigmoidectomy was carried out in 41.5% and right colectomy in 21%. Intraoperative complications were observed in 3.7% and postoperative in 21% of cases, with a conversion rate of 6.2%. CONCLUSION : the laparoscopic procedure showed to be safe and the surgeon's training results in better outcomes in this series. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: a cirurgia videolaparoscópica colorretal tem se tornado uma opção de acesso viável, desde o início de 1990, por Jacobs. Tem-se obtido redução dos dias de internação, retorno precoce às atividades, melhor resultado estético e menos dor pós-operatória. OBJETIVO: relatar a casuística de uma equipe utilizando o acesso videolaparoscópico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo, descritivo realizado em Salvador, de abril de 2010 a maio de 2012. RESULTADOS: 81 procedimentos foram analisados, com 59,3% do sexo feminino, média de idade de 58,3 anos. Foi tratada doença benigna em 48,1% dos pacientes. A retossigmoidectomia foi realizada em 40,7%, e a colectomia direita em 21%. Das complicações encontradas, 3,7% foram transoperatórias e 21% pós-operatórias com uma taxa de conversão de 6,2%. CONCLUSÃO : o procedimento videolaparoscópico tem-se mostrado seguro, e a capacitação do cirurgião tem trazido melhores resultados na casuística. (AU)

El área de superficie corporal: un factor predictor de conversión en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica

Antecedentes: El área de superficie corporal es una medida usada en el entorno clínico. Su impacto en la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica no ha sido estudiado previamente. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la superficie corporal sobre la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio en cirugía laparoscópica. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo de datos recogidos prospectivamente. Marco: Una sola institución de atención terciaria. Pacientes: Fueron identificados 916 pacientes consecutivos operados entre enero de 2004 y agosto de 2011, incluidos en una base de datos completada en forma prospectiva. Principales medidas de resultado: Se analizaron la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio laparoscópico en relación a la edad, el género, la obesidad, la localización de la enfermedad (colon vs recto), el tipo de enfermedad (neoplásica vs no neoplásica), el antecedente de cirugías previas, y la superficie corporal; el área de superficie corporal se calculó mediante la fórmula de Mosteller. El área de superficie corporal se analizó utilizando la mediana, y cuartilos con valores de corte de 1.6; 1.8 y 2.0. Se utilizó la regresión logística para analizar la asociación entre el área de superficie corporal y la tasa de conversión, ajustada por diferentes factores. Se investigó la interacción entre la superficie corporal y el índice de masa corporal, pero no fue constatada. Resultados: La tasa de conversión global fue del 10%. La mediana del área de superficie corporal fue de 1.84 m² (rango: 1.14- 2.53). Las tasas de conversión de los cuartiles 1, 2, 3 y 4 fueron: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7% y 14.8%, respectivamente, p=0.001. Los pacientes con superficie corporal > 1.8 m²(N = 503) tuvieron una tasa de conversión más alta que los de superficie corporal < 1.8 m²(N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectivamente, OR: 2.35 (IC 95%: 1.45-3.86, p=0.0001)]. El análisis multivariado mostró que el área de superficie corporal > 1.8m² se asoció a la conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) después de ajustar por sexo, edad, obesidad, localización de la patología (recto vs colon), tipo de abordaje laparoscópico y antecedente de cirugías previas. Limitación: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo realizado en una sola institución. Conclusión: El área de superficie corporal es un buen predictor de la conversión; debe ser incluido como parte de los futuros estudios sobre los resultados de la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, como información a los pacientes, cuando se seleccionan casos al inicio de la curva de aprendizaje, y al determinar el estándar de calidad de atención.

Background: Body surface área is a measurement used in clinical settings. Its impact on laparoscopic colorectal surgery has not been previously studied. Objective:To assess the impact of body surface área on conversión rate. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting: Single tertiary care institution. Patients: 916 consecutive patients operated on between January 2004 and August 2011 were identified from a prospectively datábase. Main outcome measures: Conversión rate was analyzed related to age, gender, obesity, disease location (colon vs. rectum), type of disease (neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic), history of previous surgery, and body surface área; body surface área was calculated by Mosteller formula. Body surface área was analyzed using median and quartiles cut off valúes (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between body surface área and conversión, adjusting for different confounders. Interaction between body surface área and body mass Índex was checked and not found. Results: Overall conversión rate was 10%. Median body surface área was 1.84 (range: 1.14-2.53).Conversión rates for quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7%, and 14.8%, respectively, p = 0.001. Patients with body surface área > 1.8 (N=503) had a higher conversión rate than those with body surface área < 1.8 (N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectively, OR: 2.35 (95% Cl: 1.45-3.86; p=0.0001)j. Multivariate analysis showed that body surface área > 1.8 was associated with conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) after adjusting for gender, age, and previous surgery. ROC analysis of body surface área showed an área under the curve of 0.62. Body surface área > 1.8 had a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 48% respectively. Limitation: This was a single institution retrospective study. Conclusión: Body surface área is a good predictor for conversión and should be included as part of future studies on outcomes for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Análisis de los factores predictivos de conversión en cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal / Analysis of predictive factors for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Background: Conversion to open surgery of laparoscopic procedures is not in essence a complication, but invalidates the benefits of laparoscopy. Aim: To identify the predictive factors for conversion in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Material and Methods: Revision of medical records of all patients with colorectal disease operated using a laparoscopic approach, from 1998 to 2010. Gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), previous abdominal surgery, elective/urgency procedure, benign/malignant disease, type of resection and surgeon experience were recorded. A logistic regression model was done to determine which variables were predictive for conversion to open surgery. Results: The medical records of 582 patients aged 57 +/- 17 years (45 percent men) were analyzed. The rate of conversion to open surgery was 7.1 percent. The logistic regression model selected as predictors of conversion a BMI over 25 kg/m² (odds ratio (OR) 4.9, 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) 2.4 to 9.9), cancer surgery (OR 2.1, 95 percent CI 1.1 to 4.3) and male sex (OR 2.30, 95 percent CI 1.14 to 4.65). The receiver operating curve (ROC) of the model had an are under the curve of 0.766 with 95 percent CI of 0.69 to 0.84). Conclusions: A BMI over 25 kg/m², male sex and the resection of a malignant tumor were predictive factors for conversion to open surgery.

Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo para la conversión en la cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal. Material y Método: Se revisó la base de datos prospectiva de cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal, desde 1998 a 2010. Se analizaron las variables: sexo, edad, ASA, IMC, presencia de cirugía abdominal previa, procedimiento electivo/urgencia, patología benigna/maligna, tipo de resección y experiencia del cirujano. Se realizó un análisis uni y multivariado. Para determinar las variables predictivas de conversión, la totalidad de estas fueron incluidas en un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: De un total de 621 pacientes consecutivos, la serie se compuso de 582 pacientes (hombres: 45 por ciento, edad promedio: 56,3 años) Tasa de conversión 7,1 por ciento. El modelo de regresión logística seleccionó tres variables como predictivas de conversión: IMC > 25 kg/m² (OR 4,88; IC95 por ciento 2,40-9,92), cirugía por cáncer (OR 2,12; IC95 por ciento 1,11-4,29) y sexo masculino (OR 2,30; IC95 por ciento 1,14-4,65). No fueron predictivas de conversión: edad, comorbilidades, experiencia del cirujano, tipo de procedimiento, ni cirugía previa. La calibración del modelo fue satisfactoria, al igual que su capacidad de discriminación (ABC ROC = 0,766). Conclusiones: En este estudio el IMC sobre 25 kg/m², el sexo masculino y las resecciones por cáncer son factores predictivos independientes de conversión. Este modelo predictivo mostró una calibración satisfactoria, asociada a una capacidad de discriminación acertada para el evento en estudio.

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Using a 2nd Generation Cephalosporin after Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection: A Randomized Trial of 1-day vs. 3-day

PURPOSE: We performed this study to compare 1-day group using a 2nd generation cephalsporin with 3-day group for evaluating hospital acquired infection. METHODS: The patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery at Korea University Medical Center Anam Hospital, from August, 2007 to June, 2008. They were randomly allocated to 2 groups: 1-day or 3-day group. A 2nd generation cephalosporin was administered within 1 hour before surgery with 12-hour intervals. In cases of suspected infection, further studies were done to identify infection. RESULTS: The study included 154 patients (1-day group - 78, vs. 3-day group - 76). No differences were noted between the 2 groups in age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid-use were noted. Gender (P=0.011) and mean operative time (P=0.047) between the 2 groups were different. The preventive rates of infection were 87.18% in the 1-day group compared with 82.89% in the 3-day group (P=0.456). CONCLUSION: Our prospective randomized control study concluded that there were no differences between the 1-day and 3-day group in hospital acquired infection. We could come to the conclusion that 1-day antimicrobial agent in laparoscopic colorectal surgery would be adequate in preventing infection.

Resultados do registro nacional brasileiro em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal - 2007 / Results of the 2007 Brazilian national registry in colorectal videosurgery

Este trabalho multicêntrico reúne a experiência de 28 equipes brasileiras em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal. No período de 1992 a 2007 foram operados 5259 pacientes, sendo excluídos 515 (9,8 por cento) doentes devido a dados incompletos. Foram avaliados 4744 pacientes, sendo 1994 homens (41,4 por cento) e 2750 mulheres (58,6 por cento), cuja idade variou de 1 a 94 anos (média de 57,5 anos). Doenças benignas foram diagnosticadas em 2355 pacientes (49,6 por cento). A maioria das afecções (50,7 por cento) localizava-se no cólon esquerdo e sigmóide, 28,2 por cento no reto e 0,3 por cento no canal anal, 8,0 por cento no cólon direito e 7,0 por cento difusa. Ocorreram 29 óbitos (1,6 por cento). Foram operados 2389 (50,4 por cento) pacientes portados de tumores malignos, estando localizados no reto em 48,5 por cento, cólon esquerdo e sigmóide 30,7 por cento, cólon direito 16 por cento, cólon transverso 3,2 por cento e canal anal 0,6 por cento. Os tipos histológicos foram 2347 (98 por cento) adenocarcinomas, 30 (0,6 por cento) carcinomas espinocelulares e outros tipos histológicos em 12 (0,2 por cento) pacientes. A recidiva global foi de 15,3 por cento. Houve 180 (3,8 por cento) complicações intra-operatórias, sendo as mais comuns lesões vasculares de cavidade e lesões de alças intestinais, com incidência de 1 por cento. Foram relatadas 261 (5,5 por cento) conversões para laparotomia, sendo a causa mais comum a dificuldade técnica em 1,4 por cento. Complicações pós-operatórias foram registradas em 683 (14,5 por cento). Em período médio de 52 meses de seguimento houve 19 (0,8 por cento) recidivas no local de inserção de trocártes. Não houve recidiva parietal em incisão utilizada para retirada da peça. CONCLUSÕES: 1) Nos últimos anos, a experiência brasileira em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal teve aumento expressivo; 2) As indicações operatórias para câncer e doenças benignas foram semelhantes, sendo que a doença diverticular representou 40 por cento...

This multicentric registry reports the experience of 28 Brazilian surgical teams specialized in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Between 1992 and 2007, 4744 patients (1994 men - 42 percent and 2751 women - 58 percent) were operated on, with ages ranging from 1 to 94 years (average 57,5 years). Benign diseases were diagnosed in 2356 patients (49,6 percent). Most diseases (50,7 percent) were located in the left and sigmoid colon, 28,2 percent in the rectum and 0,3 percent anal canal, 8,0 percent in the right colon and difuse 7,0 percent. There were 181 (3,8 percent) intraoperative complications (0 percent to 14 percent). There were reported 261 (5,5 percent) convertions to laparotomy (0 to 16,5 percent), that were also more common during the early experience (n=119 -59,8 percent). Postoperative complications were registered in 683 (14,5 percent) patients (5,0 percent to 50, percent). Mortality occurred in 43 patients (0,8 percent). Two thousand, three hundred and eight nine (50,4 percent) malignant tumors were operated on, and histological classification showed 2347 (98 percent) adenocarcinomas, 30 (0,6 percent) spinocellular carcinomas and 12 (0,2 percent) other histological types. Overall tumor recurrence rate was15,3 percent, the majority of which (68 percent) diagnosed during the first 2 years of follow-up. After an average follow-up of 52 months, there were reported 19 (0,8 percent) parietal recurrences, eighteeng of which in port sites and one in a patient with disseminated disease. There was no incisional recurrence in the ports used to withdraw the pathologic specimen. CONCLUSIONS: 1) There was an expressive increase in the Brazilian experience during the last years; 2) Operative indications for benign and malignant diseases were similar, and diverticular disease of the colon represented 40 percent of the benign ones; 3) Complication and mortality rates were low and comparable to those reported in literature; 4) Oncological outcome...

Clinical Value of Prophylactic Ureteral Stent Indwelling During Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

One of the hazards of colorectal surgery is ureteric injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ureteric catheterization regarding its safety and operative time. One-hundred sixty two patients underwent laparoscopic segmental left or right colectomy. The mean time for placement of ureteric catheters was 11.4 min for the right hemicolectomy and 11.3 min for the left hemicolectomy group. The mean preparation times for right hemicolectomy and left hemicolectomy (group 1 vs. group 2) were 54.7 vs. 39.1 min (p=0.00001) and 61.4 vs. 47.6 min (p=0.006), respectively. There were no significant differences in the laparoscopic operative time in either the right or left hemicolectomy groups (134.2 vs. 145.5 min and 198.4 vs. 170.1 min, respectively). There was no morbidity directly related to the ureteric catheters and in fact the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection was lower in group 1 (1.5%) than in group 2 (5.3%) (p<0.05). Although the use of ureteric catheters added a mean of 11.3 min to the surgical procedure, the overall anesthetic time for right hemicolectomy was no longer than that for left hemicolectomy. The morbidity rate was quite acceptable. Thus, ureteric catheters may be useful in selected cases of laparoscopic left and right colorectal resections.