Role of laparoscopic surgery in inflammatory bowel disease        YANG Jun*, QIN Huan-long.*Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
Corresponding author: QIN Huan-long, E-mail: huanlong_qin@live.cn
Abstract    Laparoscopic surgery has recently been gaining acceptance as an alternative approach for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Multiple studies have proven that the laparoscopic approach is a safe and successful alternative for selected patients. The potential benefits include faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates. However, the appropriate selection criteria are still under investigation.