Natural orifice specimen extraction versus transabdominal extraction in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) for colorectal resections, which further enhance the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, are being used increasingly more often. In this study, we aimed to compare NOSE and transabdominal specimen extraction methods in cases of totally laparoscopic right colon resections. Methods: Data of 52 patients who underwent laparoscopic right colon surgery between 2013 and 2019 were included in the study. Transabdominal specimen removal was done in 35 patients, while 17 patients underwent NOSE. Demographic data, operative findings, pathological results, and follow-up data were compared. Results: Female (94% vs. 28%, p = 0.0001), co-morbid (76% vs. 40%, p = 0.01), and previous abdominal surgery history (75% vs. 23%, p = 0.001) were higher in the NOSE group. All the other pre-operative features of the groups were comparable. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and complication rates were similar in both groups. Post-operative visual analog scale (2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.5 ± 2.4, p = 0.001) and cosmetic scores were better in the NOSE group (10 vs. 7, p = 0.0001). Oncologic results were similar after a mean follow-up of 27.4 ± 20.5 (1-77) months. Conclusion: The NOSE method following laparoscopic right colon resection was a more advantageous method in terms of cosmetics and postoperative pain than transabdominal specimen extraction.