Comparison of Efficiencies of Three Techniques for Colon Surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To determine the most efficient technique for performing a colectomy, we used the methodology of time-motion analysis.

Methods:

The efficiency of five hand-assisted and six regular laparoscopic colectomies and one open colectomy, performed by four surgeons in three different hospitals, was measured. The open colectomy was analyzed as a reference procedure.

Results and Conclusions:

The hand-assisted laparoscopic technique was the most efficient. Hand-assisted laparoscopy was therefore less time consuming than laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery was the fastest technique, because the time for every surgical motion is a factor of three shorter than for the two laparoscopic techniques.