LAUSR

While minimally invasive surgery is the preferred approach for right hemicolectomy, the choice of anastomotic technique is still debated. Both intracorporeal (ICA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) are described, with conflicting reports on safety and efficacy seen. This study aimed to examine impact of ICA and ECA on outcomes in right hemicolectomy. A meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCT) was performed. The primary outcome was overall morbidity. The secondary outcomes included both perioperative and post-operative outcomes. Four RCTs were included incorporating 399 patients (199 patients (49.9%) ICA Vs 200 (50.1%) ECA). There was no significant difference in overall morbidity (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43, 1.48, p = 0.47), anastomotic leak (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.58, 3.13, p = 0.5) or surgical site infections (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.17, 1.64, p = 0.27). ICA patients had a significantly less post-operative ileus (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.3–0.94, p = 0.03) quicker return to first flatus (WMD − 0.71, 95% CI − 1.12, 0.31, p = 0.0005), first bowel motion (WMD − 0.53, 95% CI − 0.69, − 0.37, p < 0.00001) and first meal (WMD − 0.68, 95% CI − 1.33, − 0.03, p = 0.04). Pain scores were significantly better for ICA patients on POD 3 (WMD − 0.76, 95% CI − 1.23, − 0.28, p = 0.002), POD 4 (WMD − 0.90, 95% CI − 1.71, − 0.09, p = 0.03) and POD 5 (WMD − 0.67, 95% CI − 1.22, − 0.13, p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay was similar (WMD − 0.46, 95% CI − 1.14, 0.22, p = 0.19). ICA is associated with a quicker return to normal physiological function with equivalent post-operative morbidity. Both ECA and ICA are safe and feasible for restoring normal bowel continuity.