A nationwide assessment comparing nonelective open with minimally invasive complex colorectal procedures

Aim The use of minimally invasive colorectal surgery has increased greatly for both benign and malignant disease. Studies evaluating complex procedures have been largely limited to elective indications. We aimed to compare the outcome of a laparoscopic with an open transverse (TC) and total abdominal colectomy (TAC) in the nonelective setting. Method Comparative analysis was made using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008–11) of patients undergoing a nonelective TC or TAC identified by ICD‐9‐CM procedure codes. The risk‐adjusted 30‐day outcome was assessed using regression modelling accounting for patient characteristics, comorbidity and surgical procedure. Results We identified 7261 admissions including 818 laparoscopic and 6443 open procedures. The mean age of the population was 65 ± 17 years and patients in the laparoscopic group were younger (56 ± 20 vs 66 ± 17 years; P