Laparoscopic Surgery

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Instead of one large incision, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions (about ¼ to ½ inch) into the abdomen to insert a small surgical camera and instruments. A slightly bigger incision, about two inches wide, is made to remove the tumor and any other tissue.

Why have laparoscopic surgery?

Advantages to laparoscopic surgery versus open procedures include:

Less recovery time
Lower risk of infection
Smaller scars
Less pain and discomfort after surgery
Shorter hospital stay

Speedier return to normal activities

Types of colorectal surgeries

Who is eligible for a laparoscopic colectomy?

Many colorectal cancer patients are good candidates for laparoscopic colectomy surgery.

The best option for you depends on several factors, including:

your overall health
your medical history
your surgeon’s experience
the cancer stage
the cancer location

What happens during a laparoscopic surgery?

Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen and create space for the surgeon to operate.
The laparoscope (a small camera) sends video images from inside the body to monitors in the operating room.
During the procedure, the surgeon moves the instruments by watching the monitors.
The surgeon will remove the segment of the colon or rectum that contains the tumor through the larger incision.

Brittany's story: open versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

This short video tells the story of Colorado resident Brittany Slater, whose life was turned upside-down by a colon cancer diagnosis at age 23. Her tale demonstrates the differences between an open procedure and a laparoscopic surgery.