Feasibility and early patient-reported outcomes after elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes are increasingly recognized as relevant endpoints in elective colorectal surgery. However, the feasibility and interpretability of systematic QoL assessment after elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease remain incompletely defined, particularly in single-center settings. METHODS: This retrospective single-center pilot study analyzed consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. The primary objective was to assess the feasibility and completeness of postoperative QoL assessment using EQ-5D, GIQLI, and LARS questionnaires. Secondary objectives included perioperative outcomes and early postoperative morbidity. Clinical and operative data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included. Completion of postoperative QoL questionnaires was achieved in all cases. No floor or ceiling effects were observed across QoL instruments. Median postoperative length of stay was 7 (6-7) days. Minor postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo <II) occurred in 8.4% of patients, with no major complications, anastomotic leaks, or reoperations. Mean EQ-5D and GIQLI scores indicated satisfactory early postoperative quality of life, while LARS scores suggested minimal bowel dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic assessment of patient-reported outcomes after elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease is feasible and yields interpretable early QoL signals. These pilot data support the integration of standardized QoL metrics in future prospective and comparative studies.