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Patients

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery avoids the need for a long incision (cut) in the abdomen (tummy) and so there is significantly less pain after the operation from the wound. It also means that you stay in hospital a shorter time (a matter of days) and can return to normal activities in a few weeks.

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What is the colon and rectum?

The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine or bowel. The large bowel forms the lowest part of the digestive system, ending at the anus

What is laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

Laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery allows the surgeon to carry out operations through a number of small (about one-centimetre) cuts in the abdomen. A telescope camera, put into one of these small cuts, shows an enlarged image (picture) of the internal abdominal organs on a computer screen. The other cuts allow the surgeon to use special operating instruments. In some cases, one of the cuts may be made longer (8 to 10 cms) to allow a bowel specimen (sample) to be removed.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

The outcome may vary depending on the type of procedure and your overall condition, but common advantages include:

  • Less pain after the operation
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • A quicker return to eating, drinking and bowel function (going to the toilet normally)
  • A quicker return to normal activity
  • Less scarring after the operation

Could I have laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

Although there are many benefits of this type of surgery, it is not always possible for every patient. You can discuss this option with your surgeon to find out if this is the best method of operating on you.

Will I need any special preparation before surgery?

You will have the same investigations and tests to prepare you for your operation as patients who have ‘open’ surgery. These are to confirm the diagnosis and extent of your condition and to assess how fit and well you are for the proposed treatment.

How is laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed?

Laparoscopic surgery is the name given to the telescopic method a surgeon uses to enter the abdomen. The surgeon will, through a small cut often close to your tummy button, place a cannula (hollow, needle-like tube) and pass gas (carbon dioxide) through this. The gas fills the abdominal cavity, making a space into which the surgeon can place a laparoscope (a narrow telescope joined to a video camera). The surgeon then sees a magnified or enlarged view of your abdominal organs on a computer screen. Other cuts give access (ports) to place specially designed operating instruments inside so the operation can be carried out. If a part of the bowel is to be removed, one of the cuts is enlarged.

What happens if the operation cannot be carried out or finished using the laparoscopic method?

For some people, the laparoscopic method cannot be performed safely or well enough. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or changing to the ‘open’ procedure during the operation include:

  • Being very overweight

  • A history of abdominal surgery which has caused a lot of scar tissue

  • If the surgeon cannot see the organs clearly

  • Bleeding problems during the operation

  • Large tumours

Your surgeon will decide to carry out surgery using the open procedure either before or during the operation. Even if laparoscopic surgery is planned, you should be prepared for the possibility that the surgeon may have to go back to open surgery during your operation.

What should I expect after surgery?

  • Oxygen through a face mask
  • Intravenous fluid using a cannula (drip) into a vein in one of your arms
  • A catheter in your bladder to drain urine, and
  • Medication to deal with mild pain

Later (the following day or so), you will:

  • Start eating a modified diet, starting with liquids followed by gradually taking solid foods
  • Move round as soon as possible