As an alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure, single-incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy via the umbilicus is technically feasible and effective. This attractive procedure aims to increase the patient's comfort further after abdominal surgery.

ICI and CJP reconstruction result in a similar functional outcome and quality of life. As ICI did not show any benefit over CJP and tended to result in a higher frequency of defecation, it should not be used as a first choice treatment. In addition, ICI was associated with significant complications after radiotherapy. Therefore, it must not be used if postoperative radiochemotheray is intended.

Overall, the postoperative outcome was roughly equivalent after both techniques of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Therefore, laparoscopic-facilitated sigmoidectomy could be considered as an alternative to laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy in technically difficult cases of diverticulitis subjected to laparoscopic surgery.

Colonic surgery is feasible with the single-port technique using standard laparoscopic instruments. Operative time and complication rates are comparable to conventional standard laparoscopic procedures. Position of instruments (crossed over) and orientation are somewhat different and need to be trained and practiced. In this patient collective 200 colon resections covering the complete spectrum of colonic surgery were done in our department. Of these 120 patients were operated on because of sigma diverticulitis. The average operative time was 149 min whereby 6 patients (5.0%) had to be converted to an open procedure, 12 (10.0%) patients had early complications, of which 6 (5.0%) had minor wound complications which were treated conservatively and 4 (3.3%) patients had late complications (2 stenoses and 2 hernias) during the mean follow-up time of 7.5 months (range 6-14 months). The cosmetic effect was very good and functional results were good. Single-port colon operations are the least invasive procedure available at the moment.

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