Length of stay after laparoscopic colonic surgery - an 11 year nationwide Danish survey

Aim:  The use of laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark with particular reference to the length of stay was analysed. 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 2000-2010. Results:  There were 4582 laparoscopic colonic resections were performed reaching about 1000 operations/year in the last two years. Length of stay decreased from a median of 7 days 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 improvements by combining the laparoscopic technique with fast-track recovery.