Colon Surgery (Segmental Resection, R & L Hemicolectomy, Colectomy)

Cause / Condition
Many colon problems can be treated laparoscopically including rectal prolapse, polyps, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and some forms of colon cancer. Proper evaluation and diagnostic testing are integral to surgical consideration.

About the Procedure
Patients are instructed in bowel cleansing techniques that vary for their particular surgery. The surgeon makes 4 small incisions through which precisely designed laparoscopic tools are inserted to accomplish a specific operation. These instruments are used by the surgeon to move the intestines and also to cut, suture, remove and/or resection affected areas. Because of the smaller incisions, it is not necessary to cut through muscle or suture under tension as in conventional (open) surgery. At times, however, a larger incision is needed to remove part of the colon.

Recovery
Patients generally have a 5 day hospital stay and compared to a 12" incision via conventional methods, the small incisions heal quickly. Although there is less pain with laparoscopic surgery, there is temporary discomfort and tenderness that improve during the time it takes for the colon to heal.

Expectations / Experience
Compared to the conventional recovery period of 6-8 weeks, patients generally return to work in 2-3 weeks and start to resume normal activities soon after surgery. If indicated, patients receive specific guidelines on diet and level of activity.

Having lectured and published on colon surgery since 1991, MIMIS surgeons continue to refine their progressive approach to laparoscopic surgery. They were among the first groups in the country to report results for colon tumors.

For more information on laparoscopic colon surgery contact:

The Milwaukee Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee
2301 N. Lake Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53211

(800) 377-2673

Email us