Laparoscopic vs open colorectal surgery
Traditional open rectal and colon surgeries involved making sufficiently large incisions to provide adequate visibility and access to organs inside the abdomen. The open technique requires large, around 15 to 30 centimetres incisions.
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures avoid the use of the large incisions that are needed to perform conventional open surgeries. These techniques are associated with comparatively minimal hospital time, aftercare, and downtime.
Laparoscopic techniques involve using three to five incisions for most colon and rectal surgeries. These incisions are smaller, only about 1.3 centimetres in length. A laparoscope or thin metal telescope attached to a camera is introduced giving surgeons a magnified view of the inside of the abdomen. Laparoscopic instruments have been specially designed to cut and cauterise in a precision, minimally invasive way. Another somewhat larger incision (no more than 10 centimetres) may be needed to remove tissues.
Candidates
Many conditions can be treated with both open and minimally-invasive techniques. These conditions range from inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) to diverticulitis and polyps.
Dr Ganesh will discuss factors such as your current health, comorbidities, and prior abdominal surgeries. These factors can influence the most appropriate technique that is recommended for you.
