To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy(SC) in the treatment of intractable slow transit constipation (STC).

Clinical and follow-up data of 47 patients with intractable STC treated by laparoscopic SC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from May 2017 to August 2023 were collected and retrospectively analyzed in this study. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, first defecation time, and pre-and post-operative number of Wexner constipation score (WCS) and spontaneous complete bowel movement (SCBM) were analyzed.

The average operation time of the 47 patients was (266.09±77.72) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 (100, 200) mL, three cases had prophylactic ileostomy; the first time of leaving bed was 2(1, 3) d, the first time of feeding was 3(2, 4) d, the first time of defecation was 3(3, 4) d; there were 8 postoperative complications, including 2 cases of postoperative ileus, three case of postoperative anastomotic hemorrhage and leakage. The preoperative WCS score was 18(16, 20) points, and the postoperative WCS score was 4(3, 4) points, with a significant decrease in scores (Z=5.979, P<0.05); the preoperative SCBM was 1(0, 1) times/day, and the postoperative SCBM was 3(2, 3) times/day, with a significant increase in frequency (Z=6.028, P<0.05).

Laparoscopic SC is an ideal surgical treatment method for the treatment of intractable STC with certain efficacy, minimal trauma, and few complications.