Background: The laparoscopic approach to bowel obstruction is still controversial. Objective: To evaluate our initial results in the laparoscopic treatment of bowel obstruction. Material and methods: A retrospective study on patients diagnosed with bowel obstruction that underwent laparoscopic surgery within the time frame of January 2008 to June 30, 2012. The variables employed were: age, sex, occlusion etiology, previous surgeries, clinical progression, pneumoperitoneum creation, use of an auxiliary incision, anesthesia duration, conversion rate, postoperative hospital stay, time needed to tolerate liquids, and complications. Results: Twenty-six patients, 18 women (69.2%) and 8 men (30.8%), with a mean age of 64.35 years (range: 21-92 years) were analyzed. The most frequent obstruction etiology was secondary to adhesions and presented in 12 cases. Nine patients (34.6%) underwent a completely laparoscopic approach and laparoscopy was complemented by an auxiliary incision in another 9 patients (34.6%), resulting in 18 cases (69.2%) of successful laparoscopic approach. Eight patients (30.8%) required conversion to open surgery. The mean anesthesia duration was 95 min (range: 55-165 min), mean postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range: 3-72 days), and the mean amount of time needed to tolerate liquids was 3 days (range: 1-10 days). The patients that underwent complete laparoscopic approach presented with shorter hospital stay, they were able to ingest liquids earlier, and they presented with a lower number of postoperative complications; this latter variable was the only one that was statistically significant. Conclusions: The initial results of our experience were good, although more patients are needed in order to standardize and extend the use of this technique. Obstrucción intestinal; Laparoscopia; Abordaje laparoscópico; Adhesiolisis
Experiencia inicial en el abordaje laparoscópico de la obstrucción intestinal ResumenAntecedentes: El abordaje laparoscópico de la obstrucción intestinal continúa siendo controvertido. Objetivo: Evaluar nuestros resultados iniciales en el tratamiento laparoscópico de la obstrucción intestinal. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de oclusión intestinal, e intervenidos mediante laparoscopia, desde enero de 2008 hasta el 30 de junio de 2012. Las variables empleadas fueron: edad, sexo, etiología de la oclusión, cirugías previas, evolución clínica, realización del neumoperitoneo, uso de incisión de asistencia, tiempo anestésico, tasa de conversión, días de estancia postoperatoria, tiempo hasta la tolerancia a líquidos, complicaciones. Resultados: 26 pacientes, 18 mujeres (69.2%) y 8 varones (30.8%), edad media de 64,35 años (21-92 años). La etiología más frecuente de la oclusión fue secundaria a bridas, con 12 casos. En 9 pacientes (34.6%) el abordaje fue totalmente laparoscópico. En otros 9 pacientes (34.6%) se complementó con una incisión de asistencia. Así, el abordaje laparoscópico constituyó un éxito en 18 casos (69.2%). En 8 pacientes (30.8%)...