Studies have shown that laparoscopic colectomy (LC) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is just as safe as open colectomy. Some of the short-term advantages of laparoscopy are faster recovery, less pain, shorter hospital stay and fewer complications. The long-term advantages include superior cosmetic result, reduced intra abdominal adhesion formation, less frequent hospitalization due to small bowel obstruction and fewer incisional hernias. Cost-benefit analyses also favour laparoscopic surgery for IBD.