Colon Resection

Laparoscopic Colon Resection for Cancer

A colon resection, also known as a colectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove either part of or all of the large intestine (the colon). It is used to treat both benign and malignant tumors, and is usually effective in stopping the spread of colon cancer. A colon resection is often performed using laparoscopic surgery. Often referred to as minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery is used primarily to treat early-stage cancers.

Laparoscopic Colon Resection Procedure

A laparoscopic colon resection requires three to six small incisions in the abdomen for the insertion of a laparoscope, a long flexible tube that has a small video camera on the end, and other small surgical instruments.

The video camera provides magnified, high-definition images that the surgeon uses as guides in performing the procedure. To improve the visual field, the abdomen is inflated with gas. Depending on a patient's individual condition, all or a portion of the colon, as well as lymph nodes and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue, will be removed. If only a portion of the colon is removed, the resultant ends will be stitched together.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Colon Resection

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Although a colon resection can be performed in a traditional open-surgery procedure, many patients now undergo laparoscopic treatment. Advantages of a laparoscopic colon resection compared to traditional colon resection include:

Smaller incisions
Less scarring
Shorter recovery time
Less bleeding

Laparoscopic resection is considered a suitable procedure for curable colorectal malignancies.

Risks of Laparoscopic Colon Resection

Risks from any kind of laparoscopic procedure are fewer than the risks of open surgery. They do exist, however, and include:

Infection
Excessive bleeding from the incisions
Damage to an organ or blood vessel
Allergic reaction to medications or anesthesia

Laparoscopic colon resection involves a steep learning curve for the surgeon who will perform it. Both the surgeon and operating room staff need to be thoroughly trained in the procedure to minimize additional risks to the patient.

Laparoscopic Colon Resection for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches found in the inner lining of the intestinal tract. Most often these pouches are harmless but they can become infected and inflamed. A colon resection is a surgical treatment for diverticulitis, and may also be performed to treat the following conditions:

Benign or malignant tumors
Crohn's disease
Volvulus

A laparoscopic colon resection requires three to four small incisions for the insertion of a laparoscope and tiny surgical instruments. The procedure is performed with imaging guidance through these incisions. The abdomen will be inflated with gas to improve the visual field. A portion of the colon will be removed, its size and location will depend on the patient's individual condition.

While colon resection can be performed through a traditional open procedure, a laparoscopic colon resection offers many benefits to the patient, including the following:

Less scarring
Less bleeding
Shorter recovery time
Shorter hospital stay

Many patients with diverticulitis can benefit from laparoscopic colon resection to relieve the symptoms of their condition with minimal risks or side effects.