Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRHC) techniques have varied in the approach to anastomosis. We compared outcomes of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) versus intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA).

We retrospectively reviewed all LRHCs conducted at Richmond Hospital between January 2015 and October 2017. We compared the demographic, pathologic, intraoperative, and postoperative data.

74 LRHCs were included during the study period: 56 ECA and 18 ICA. The groups were comparable in age, gender, tumor staging, and tumor location. Incidence of clinical ileus was significantly less for ICA (0% vs. 21%, p = 0.032). Mean length of stay was significantly shorter for ICA (3.13 vs. 4.82 days, p = 0.003). There was no difference between ICA and ECA in mean operative time (158 vs. 145 min, p = 0.087), surgical site infections (6% vs. 4%, p = 1.0), emergency department visits within 30 days (5% vs. 6%, p = 1.0), and hospital readmission within 30 days (4% vs 0%, p = 1.0). There were no incidences of anastomotic leaks, perioperative deaths, or cardiopulmonary complications in either group.

An ICA approach to LRHC results in shorter hospital stay and decreased rates of clinical ileus.