Long-Term Functional Results of a Modified Caudal-to-Cranial Approach in Laparoscopic Segmental Left Colectomy for Diverticular Disease

A modified caudal-to-cranial approach to perform laparoscopic left colectomy for benign diseases has been recently designed to facilitate the low-tie mesenteric dissection. A chart review has been performed including all consecutive patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis who have been treated by segmental left colectomy with a caudal-to-cranial approach. A total of 34 patients were included in the study. 21 patients were male, mean age was 54.1 ± 11.3, and mean BMI was 26 ± 5.5. Patients with ASA Score I were 7, with ASA II were 9, and with ASA Score III were 5. Incontinence Score (IS) resulted in an average of 5 ± 2, 2 grade of incontinence and the CS score showed an average of 10 ± 3, 2 grade of constipation. Health status, evaluated by Short Form-36 questionnaire, was demonstrated in these patients' great physical function, role, general health, and social function. The anorectal manometry performed 6 months after surgery showed a normal value in terms of the anal resting pressure (47 ± 13 mmHg) and an increased volume to stimulate desire to defecate (197 ± 25 ml). The length of the anal sphincter was normal compared to the reference value (37 ± 5.4 mm). Although further studies are required to obtain definitive conclusions, our results are encouraging to propose low-tie segmental colectomy as the standard procedure for the treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis, and our modified surgical approach could be considered useful to facilitate the surgical approach.