Ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in pediatric NSQIP: Does a laparoscopic approach reduce complications and length of stay?

This NSQIP analysis of 195 pediatric patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis found that laparoscopic approach reduced minor complications and shortened hospital stay compared to open surgery, without increasing major complications. The findings support laparoscopic technique as the preferred approach for pouch procedures in children with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis.