In laparoscopic colon resection, four or five one-half inch incisions are made. Canulas (small tubes through which the laparoscope and instruments are passed) are placed in these small openings. The diseased section of colon is removed, and the remainder of the colon is reattached to retain the functionality of the lower digestive tract. The results are similar to those achieved with open surgery. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery for this procedure are decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and smaller scars. Two of the primary conditions that merit laparoscopic colon resection are diverticulitis and colon cancer. Diverticulosis is the most common colon disease in Western nations. It is believed to result from the fiber-deficient diet that is common in these countries, due to the decreased size and consistency of fecal mass. This causes the colon to become narrower, and pressures within the colon to increase. This leads to outpouchings of the colon around the weakest points in the wall, which are usually located next to small blood vessels. Diverticulitis refers to inflammation around these outpouchings, or diverticula. It commonly occurs when a mass of dehydrated fecal material known as a fecalith becomes lodged within the colon, most commonly in the sigmoid region. This weakens the wall of the colon and makes it susceptible to infection. Infection in turn can then lead to perforation and abscess formation. Symptoms of this condition include fever, leukocytosis, left lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, palpable masses, muscle guarding, and partial obstruction. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. The majority of these are adenocarcinomas, which develop from polyps on the colonic mucosa as the result of changes in the genetic characteristics of the cells there. The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, a diet high in cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel disease. The earlier this condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for the patient. It is usually asymptomatic, but patients may experience abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, intestinal obstruction, and occult bleeding.Appointment Contact Webmaster with questions or comments
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