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Laparoscopic
Colectomy |
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| Laparoscopic
colon surgery is a technique whereby the colon can be removed using
several small incisions. Traditionally, removal of the colon has been
accomplished using one larger incision. The use of smaller incisions
leads to less pain after surgery, less time in the hospital, and a
quicker return to work and full activity. This specialized procedure
cannot be performed on all patients who need colon surgery. |
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Prior
To Surgery The
day prior to surgery you may be required to take a regimen
to clean out your colon. You also must take several antibiotic
pills. This regimen is designed to decrease the likelihood of getting
an infection so it is very important you follow the instructions
for the bowel prep: (Click here to get
instructions on taking the bowel prep.) It is very important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery. This includes coffee, water, mints, gum, candies. You may ingest only a small sip of water with your morning medications. Dr. Fusco's office staff will advise you when to arrive at the hospital. Since the procedures scheduled prior to yours may be longer or shorter than anticipated, we ask that you remain available prior to your arrival time so that you can be contacted and informed of any changes in your surgery time. When
patients bathe the night prior to surgery they should thoroughly
cleanse the umbilicus (belly button). |
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| Incisions Right sided colon removal requires a 1/2 inch incision near the umbilicus to place the camera. Instruments are placed through three 1/4 inch incision and the colon is extracted using an incision about three inches long. |
Left sided colon removal requires a 1/2 inch incision near the umbilicus to place the camera. Instruments are placed through two 1/4 inch incision and the colon is extracted using an incision about three inches long. |
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| Conduct
of the operation Using the inserted instruments the attachments and blood supply of the colon is divided and the colon is mobilized. The colon is extracted and the remaining ends of the colon are reattached. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. Steri strips (butterfly stitches) are placed. These remain on the wounds until they peel off on their own, usually in two weeks. The wounds are covered with Band-Aids. These Band-Aids can be removed the day after surgery. Patients are allowed to bathe normally the day following surgery. |
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Recovery Patients are allowed nothing by mouth (NPO) the night after surgery. Patients are permitted to chew gum. The morning after surgery they are given a clear liquid diet. Patients stay on a clear liquid diet till they have a bowel movement which normally occurs approximately 3-5 days after surgery. Patients are seen in the office 5 to 9 days after surgery for a postoperative check, but patients are encouraged to contact the office sooner than this if they have any questions or problems. Dr. Fusco requests you contact the office for any of the following:
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| Success
Rate Any patient who undergoes laparoscopic colon surgery may need to be converted to the open surgery. The risk of this varies significantly depending on the location of the colon that needs to be removed, the size of the abnormality to be removed and a variety of patient factors. (previous surgery, medical condition, weight) Dr. Fusco can estimate the likelihood of completing the surgery laparoscopically during the preoperative consultation. |
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| Risks Risks of both open and laparoscopic colon removal include: · Conversion to open procedure. · Injury to nearby structures: including intestines, spleen, and the tube that brings urine from the kidney to the bladder~ 2% · Bleeding · Infection in the wound · Deep infection within the abdomen · Leakage from the connection of the colon (Anastomotic leak). ~ 2 % |
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Additional
information |
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