What is Laparoscopic Bowel Resection?
Laparoscopic Bowel Resection is the surgical resection of all or part of the large intestine. It is the most common procedure performed to remove the cancer cells. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and under general anesthesia.
Colon cancer is the growth of rapidly dividing cells in the large intestine. It is also referred to as colorectal cancer. Cancers of the colon develop from polyps, the small and non-cancerous growths of tissues. Colon cancer usually begins in glands lining the colon and rectum. Colon cancer initially begins as non-cancerous tumors and gradually develops into cancer which spreads to other tissues.
Surgical Procedure of Laparoscopic Bowel Resection
It is a minimally invasive technique where several small incisions are made rather than one large incision. Three to five small incisions are made on the lower abdomen. A laparoscope, a telescopic video camera used to see the inside of the abdomen, is inserted through an incision. Small surgical instruments are passed through the other two incisions and the colon is removed. Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is filled in the lower abdomen and expanded for easy access and the diseased part of the colon is removed. At the end of the surgery, the healthy ends are reattached, the incisions are closed with sutures, and a dressing pad is used.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Bowel Resection
The advantages of laparoscopic bowel resection are:
- Smaller incisions,
- Minimal soft tissue trauma,
- Less pain,
- Faster recovery time,
- Less scarring, and shorter hospital stay.
Following the surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you follow certain measures for a successful outcome:
Do not remove the dressing over the incision for the first two days and keep the area clean and dry. No showering or bathing during this time. The incision usually heals in about 5 days.
Your surgeon may give you activity restrictions, such as not to lift heavy objects. It is very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions for a successful recovery.
You may feel soreness around the incision area. Your surgeon may give you prescription pain medicine or recommend NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for the first few days to keep you comfortable.
If the abdomen was distended with gas, you may experience discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or shoulder area for a couple of days while the excess gas is being absorbed.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever, chills, increased pain, bleeding or fluid leakage from the incisions, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, or dizziness.
Complications of Laparoscopic Bowel Resection
Complications of laparoscopic bowel resection include infection at the site of operation, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs.
