The feasibility of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis in community practice for slow transit constipation

Background The objective of this paper is to demonstrate if slow transit constipation (STC) can be accurately diagnosed, selecting patients appropriate for surgery, and safely perform laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) with acceptable short and long-term outcomes in the setting of medically complex patients in a community practice. Methods A retrospective study was performed at a private community surgical practice. Cohort involved 10 patients with up to 10 years in follow-up care with a diverse range of ages, body mass index (BMI) and medical conditions. Pre-operative work-up followed a comprehensive algorithm designed to rule out organic conditions and dyssynergistic defecation. The Sitz Mark Colon Transit Study was used to confirm STC. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with CRA techniques were used in all cases. Frequency of BMs and patient satisfaction over the study period were tabulated. Results Average post-operative length of stay (LOS) was five days. One early major post-operative complication occurred, however there were no perioperative deaths, anastomotic leaks or revisions of the original surgery after discharge from the hospital. Two patients died due to non-bowel related causes. An incisional hernia was the single long-term complication. Initial post-operative BMs averaged several per day. In the 1–5 year follow-up, BMs tapered down from 1 to 2/day with some laxative use. By the 5th to 10th year follow-up, constipation occurred with 2–3 BMs/week, all requiring an osmotic laxative. Most patients, however, were satisfied with their bowel pattern. Conclusion Surgical candidates with severe STC can be accurately diagnosed and treated with minimally invasive surgery in community practice with acceptable outcomes as compared to outcomes published in the literature.