Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with important early postoperative advantages. These procedures can however increase total operative duration. Our hypothesis is that increased operative duration is associated with post-operative complications that may outweigh the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. We analyzed data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC)R. This is a statewide database of patients who have undergone colon or rectal resections. Colorectal procedures were divided into four groups by surgical approach: open, laparoscopic, robotic and laparoscopic and robotic procedures converted to open. The sample was divided into three groups by operative duration: less than 2 h, between 2 and 4 h and greater than 4 h and compared by selected preoperative variables and outcomes. Small but significant differences in perioperative outcomes were noted in colectomies with a >4 h operative duration. However, laparoscopic procedures exceeding 4 h were not associated with significant differences perioperative outcomes.