Does conversion of a laparoscopic colectomy adversely affect patient outcome?
PURPOSE: Conversion during laparoscopic colectomy varies in frequency according to the surgeon’s experience and case selection. However, there remains concern that conversion is associated with increased morbidity and higher hospital costs. METHODS: From January 1999 to August 2002, 430 laparoscopic colectomies were performed by two surgeons, with 51 (12 percent) cases converted to open surgery. Converted cases were matched for operation and age to 51 open cases performed mostly by other colorectal surgeons from our department. Data collected included gender, American Society of Anesthesiology score, operative indication, resection type, operative stage at conversion, in-hospital complications, direct hospital costs, unexpected readmission within 30 days, and mortality. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups for age (converted, 55 +/- 19; open, 62 +/- 16), male:female ratio (converted, 17:34; open, 23:28), or American Society of Anesthesiology score distribut
