Laparoscopic surgery in Crohn’s disease: state of art

Surgery plays a crucial role in the management of patients affected by Crohn’s disease because of the high operation and recurrence rate. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for began in the early 90’s and demonstrated significant benefits as less post-operative pain, faster post-operative ileus resolution, earlier hospital discharge and improved cosmetic results. In Crohn’s disease, the laparoscopic approach was adopted more slowly than in other colorectal diseases, becoming the surgical approach of choice for selected patients and, later, its indications have extended to complicated or recurrent disease in high volume referral centres. A further evolution of laparoscopic surgery in patients with Crohn’s disease is nowadays represented by the use of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS). Moreover, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for Crohn’s disease may benefit from a combination with an enhanced recovery perioperative care program, resulting in a smoother and faster perioperative course.