What is the colon?
The colon or large bowel is part of the intestine. It
transfers waste material from the small bowel to the rectum
and functions to store the waste and to absorb water from
waste material. The colon is also responsible for bacterial
production and absorption of certain vitamins.
What is a Laparoscopic Colectomy?
On occasion, removal or resection of a portion of the
colon (or the entire organ) becomes necessary. Reasons
for partial removal include infectious or inflammatory
problems such as complications of diverticulitis and ulcerative
colitis, poor blood supply, bleeding lesions, polyps,
and cancers. The exact indications for removal of a portion
of the colon in any given patient may be complex and should
be carefully discussed with a surgeon.
How is a Laparoscopic Colectomy
performed?
Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument
called a laparoscope which is inserted through a small
incision in the abdomen. The laparoscope is connected
to a tiny video camera which projects a video image of
the operative site onto video monitors in the operating
room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas,
to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area.
During a laparoscopic colectomy, four or five one-half
inch incisions are made. The diseased section of colon
is removed using special, and the remainder of the colon
is reattached to retain the functionality of the lower
digestive tract. In some instances, the remainder of the
colon cannot be reattached, and a colostomy may be place.
A colostomy is an incision into the colon to create an
artificial opening or "stoma" to the exterior
of the abdomen. This opening serves as a substitute anus
through which the intestines can eliminate waste products
until the colon can heal or other corrective surgery can
be done. The bowel movements fall into a collection pouch.
The results are similar to those achieved with open surgery.
Why Laparoscopic?
___Four to five tiny scars
instead of one large abdominal scar.
___Shorter hospital stay.
__
Reduced post-operative pain.
___Shorter recovery time
and quicker return to daily activities, including work.
What can I expect after surgery?
Each patient’s response to laparoscopic surgery is unique,
and Dr. Rosser provides each of his patient’s with instructions
specific to their procedure. You will remain in the hospital
for at least 3-7 days after surgery. For most patients,
recovery time for the laparoscopic procedure can be days
or weeks shorter than the “open” method. Please follow
your post-operative instructions carefully for best results.
To make
an appointment with Dr. Rosser, please call 212-420-4337.
