Length of Stay After Laparoscopic Colonic Surgery - an 11-year Nationwide Danish Survey

Aim: The use of laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark was analysed with particular reference to the length of stay.

Method: Data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry to assess duration of hospital stay after laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark within the 11-year period from 2000 to 2010.

Results: There were 4582 laparoscopic colonic resections performed, reaching about 1000 operations/year in the last 2 years (2009-2010). Length of stay decreased from a median of 7 to 4 days, while mean length of stay only decreased from 9 to 7 days.

Conclusion: The use of laparoscopic colonic resection has increased in Denmark over the last 11 years and with a concomitant decrease in postoperative length of stay. However, there is a need for further improvement by combining the laparoscopic technique with fast-track recovery.