A population-based comparison of open versus minimally invasive abdominoperineal resection.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive colorectal surgery increases widely, outcomes following its use in complex operations such as the abdominoperineal resection (APR) remain indeterminate.

METHODS: A review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008 to 2011) of all patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or open APR was conducted. Risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes were assessed using regression modeling accounting for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical procedure.

RESULTS: We identified 3,191 admissions meeting inclusion criteria (1,019 laparoscopic; 2,172 open). The conversion rate was 5%. Mortality was low and similar between groups (.88% vs .83%, P = .91). In-hospital complication rates were lower in the laparoscopic group (19% vs 29%, odds ratio .59, 95% confidence interval .49 to .71, P < .01), but conversion was associated with a higher rate (29% vs 18%, P < .01). Finally, a laparoscopic APR was associated with a shorter length of stay (5.3 vs 7.0 days, P < .01).

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic APR is associated with improved outcomes and may be the preferred approach by surgeons with appropriate skills and experience.