BACKGROUND:
Medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) necessitates surgical intervention, with total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy being a definitive treatment. The comparison between single-port and multi-port laparoscopic surgery outcomes remains underexplored.
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the surgical outcomes of single-port versus multi-port laparoscopic surgery in patients undergoing total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy for medically refractory UC.
DESIGN:
A retrospective analysis comparing single-port to multi-port surgery in UC patients from 2010 to 2020. Patients were propensity score-matched 3:1 (multi-port to single-port) on baseline characteristics.
SETTINGS:
Single center academic hospital.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Binary outcomes were compared using a multivariable logistic regression model, and a subset analysis was conducted for postoperative stump leak based on stump implantation during surgery. These metrics were compared between the single-port and multi-port groups to assess the differences in surgical outcomes.
RESULTS:
The multi-port and single-port groups included 642 and 114 patients, respectively. Matched cohort included 342 multi-ports and 114 single-ports. We observed a statistically significant difference in mean operation time, with the single-port procedure taking 43 minutes less than the multi-port laparoscopy. There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative stump leaks, postoperative ileus, stoma site complications, postoperative readmission within 30 days, postoperative reoperation within 30 days, and subsequent IPAA surgery. In the subset analysis, stump implantation was associated with a higher risk of stump leak in the multiport group. The single-port group had a shorter hospital stay.
LIMITATIONS:
Retrospective nature, being conducted at a single center.
CONCLUSION:
Single-incision laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy in the treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis is a safe, effective, and efficient approach. In our cohort, as compared to multi-port approach, single incision laparoscopy has shown shorter operation times and better overall length of stay. Taking into account less invasive approach, decreased abdominal trauma, and faster recovery, single-port surgery is a viable alternative to multi-port surgery. See Video Abstract.
