ASA :: Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery and Laparoscopic Reversal of Colostomy

Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery and Laparoscopic Reversal of Colostomy Laparoscopic colon surgery is a new technique that is rapidly gaining popularity. Advantages of laparoscopy over the open method of surgery include the following:

Colon function normalizes faster
Faster recovery time and shorter hospitalization
Less postoperative pain
Quicker return to normal activities
Smaller scar

Laparoscopic colon surgery was introduced in the early 90’s. Yet, only 3% of all colon resections are performed this way in the United States. Explanations for this may include, surgeon resistance to accepting this procedure as comparable to traditional operations; lack of surgeon experience with minimally invasive techniques; that laparoscopic colon surgery is an advanced procedure which takes a long period of time to master.

The surgeon makes about four or five small one-half inch long incisions. A laparoscope (a tiny telescope attached to a video camera) is inserted into one of the openings, allowing the surgeon to see inside the abdomen. Instruments are inserted through the other openings and are used to remove the diseased section of bowel and reattach the healthy segments ('end-to-end anastomosis'). A slightly larger incision is usually made to remove the diseased section of colon from the body. The surgery takes 2 to 3 hours. The patient is frequently out of the operating room more quickly than after an open procedure, and there is no large incision to suture. Laparoscopic colon resection is performed for colorectal diseases including colon cancer. In addition, patients will previous colostomy, our surgeons are unable to perform laparoscopic reversal of colostomy as well.

How is Laparoscopic Colon Resection or Reversal of Colostomy Performed?

"Laparoscopic" and "open" colon surgery simply describes the techniques a surgeon uses to gain access to the internal surgery site.

Most laparoscopic colon procedures start the same way. Using a 'canula' (a narrow tube-like instrument), the surgeon enters the abdomen. A 'laparoscope' (a tiny telescope connected to a video camera) is inserted through the canula, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a television monitor. Several other canulas are inserted to allow the surgeon to work inside and remove part of the colon. The entire procedure may be completed through the canulas or by lengthening one of the small canula incisions.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Colon Resection or Reversal of Colostomy

Results may vary depending upon the type of procedure and patient's overall condition. Common advantages are:

Less postoperative pain
May shorten hospital stay
May result in a faster return to solid-food diet
May result in a quicker return of bowel function
Quicker return to normal activity
Better cosmetic results

What Complications Can Occur?

As with any operation, there is the risk of a complication, however, the risk is no higher than if the operation were performed using an open technique.

Slight risk:

Bleeding or infection (present with any operation) Even smaller risk:
A leak where the colon was connected back together.
Injury to adjacent organs such as the small intestine, ureter, or bladder
Blood clots to the lungs.

What Happens if the Operation cannot be Performed or Completed by the Laparoscopic Method?

The decision to perform the open procedure is a judgment decision made by your surgeon either before or during the actual operation. The decision to convert to an open (conventional) procedure is strictly based on patient safety.

Related Information

Surgery News