Perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease: Results from a referral center retrospective cohort

Background: Minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease, defined as penetrating Crohn disease associated with intra-abdominal fistula, abscess, or phlegmon, is challenging. In addition, the impact of the minimally invasive approach on postoperative outcomes is still debated. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated versus uncomplicated Crohn disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients with Crohn disease undergoing minimally invasive ileocolic resection from 2014 to 2021 was performed. Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients with complicated Crohn disease (complicated group) and patients without these lesions (uncomplicated group). Results: Among the 274 patients undergoing minimally invasive ileocolic resection for Crohn disease, 101 (36.9%) had a robotic approach, and 84 (30.7%) had complicated Crohn disease. Complicated patients were more frequently malnourished (32.1% vs 16.1%, P =.004) and had more frequent previous bowel resections for Crohn disease (22.1% vs 9.5%, P =.002). There were no differences between both groups regarding intraoperative complications (1.1% uncomplicated group vs 2.4% complicated group, P =.463), conversion rate (2.6% uncomplicated group vs 4.8% complicated group, P =.463), postoperative morbidity (27.4% uncomplicated group vs 34.5% complicated group, P =.231), intra-abdominal septic complications (4.2% uncomplicated group vs 7.1% complicated group, P =.309), and length of stay (3.8 ± 2.0 days uncomplicated group vs 4.2 ± 3.0 complicated group, P =.188). Conclusion: Minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease is safe and feasible. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.