Table 2 Differences between laparoscopic and open surgery patients, ^a Mean difference ^b Risk ratio

Age, yr

24 (n = 2011)

−1.41 (−2.71 to −0.11)^a

0.03

BMI, kg/m²

14 (n = 1359)

−0.65 (−1.94 to 0.65)^a

0.32

Length of disease, years

14 (n = 974)

−0.94 (−3.02 to 1.15)^a

0.38

Previous surgery

16 (n = 1201)

0.80 (0.64 to 1.01)^b

0.06

Preoperative steroids

13 (n = 921)

1.06 (0.95 to 1.17)^b

0.33

Length of stay, days

17 (n = 1005)

−2.24 (−2.50 to −1.98)^a

<0.001

Return to solid diet, days

9 (n = 442)

−1.29 (−1.59 to −0.98)^a

<0.001

Time to flatus, days

8 (n = 465)

−0.80 (−1.05 to −0.55)^a

<0.001

Time to bowel movement, days

6 (n = 378)

−0.68 (−0.94 to −0.43)^a

<0.001