What is Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Surgery?
Laparoscopic colon cancer surgery always begins in the same way. The surgeon uses a narrow, tube-like instrument to enter the abdomen. Once the abdomen is entered a laparoscope, a tiny telescope that is connected to a video camera, is then inserted through the opening. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to see the internal organs on a television monitor during the operation. Once other openings are inserted into the patient the surgeon will work inside. While working inside the surgeon may have to remove part of the colon. How much the surgeon has to remove depends on the amount of cancerous tissue in the colon.
A laparoscopic procedure usually takes a few hours to perform. After the medical procedure the patient must remain in the hospital for a few days. Many patients prefer to have laparoscopic colon surgery performed because this is a less invasive procedure then the older ‘open’ surgery method. Most patients who have laparoscopic surgery performed usually experience less pain and can return to their normal activities in just a few days.
The advantages of having laparoscopic colon surgery performed is the there is less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, patients can eat solid foods sooner, bowel function is returned sooner, better cosmetic results and the patient can return to their normal activates sooner. Not every patient though who has colon cancer is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery.
In some cases laparoscopic colon cancer surgery is not an effective method at removing colon cancer. There are several factors that may contribute to this. If an individual is suffering from obesity that individual may not be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. Other factors that may cause a doctor to choose the ‘open’ method over laparoscopic surgery are a history of prior abdominal surgery, bleeding problems during the operation and inability to visualize organs. The surgeon will make the decision either before or during the surgery. The decision to convert to ‘open’ surgery may be based on patient safety.
Laparoscopic colon cancer surgery has been proven to be just as effective at removing colon cancer as the ‘open’ method. There are many advantages to having laparoscopic surgery or a laparoscopic colon resection performed. Only your doctor or surgeon can tell you if you are a candidate for laparoscopic surgery.
After laparoscopic colon cancer surgery is performed it is important to allow your body to heal. Every one heals at a different rate. Make sure to follow all of your physician?s instructions before and after the surgery. This will ensure a healthy and speedy recovery period.
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