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Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes sores or ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Treatment is required to manage often serious and persistent symptoms, and to avoid complications such as severe bleeding, perforated colon, blood clots, and an increased risk of developing colon cancer. As a colorectal and general surgeon, Dr. Shanthan Ganesh offers many advanced treatments for IBD, as well as for other diverticulitis, polyps, and more. Treatments available at our office in North Adelaide, South Australia, include laparoscopic surgery.
What is the first-line treatment for ulcerative colitis?
We may recommend medical therapy. As with all treatments at our office, recommendations are based on factors such as the severity of your disease. The goal of medications such as anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressant drugs is to fight the inflammation and to decrease the frequency and severity of diarrhoea, bleeding, and pain. Guidance on modifiable factors like diet and lifestyle can reduce the frequency of flare-ups, too.
Why would I need surgery for ulcerative colitis?
Surgery may be indicated for those patients whose symptoms can no longer be properly controlled or managed with medical therapy and other interventions. Surgery may also be recommended when the symptoms interfere with a patient’s quality of life. It may be appropriate to avoid serious risks, such as bowel perforation and infection (toxic colitis).
What is laparoscopic surgery?
It is among those surgical techniques that are described as “minimally invasive.” Since minimally invasive surgeries do not use big incisions, hospital time as well as recovery and downtime are minimised.
How does laparoscopic surgery compare to traditional surgery?
“Traditional” open surgeries to treat colorectal conditions involve making adequately large incisions or openings, which then provide sufficient visibility and access to the abdominal organs. These incisions are usually between 15 – 30 centimeters in length. By comparison, laparoscopic techniques involve making between three and five incisions that are much smaller than those made with conventional open techniques. These incisions are usually only ~1.3 centimetres long. Surgery is performed using advanced tools, such as a thin laparoscope and camera, which gives us a magnified view of the inside of the abdomen. Special laparoscopic instruments precisely and conservatively cut and cauterise tissues.
What can I expect post-surgery?
By removing the source of the inflammation, we effectively “cure” IBD and remove the risk of cancer and other serious complications. We also do this without the use of drugs and their associated side effects. To find out more about laparoscopic surgery and other treatments for ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, polyps, and more, contact the office at 08 81646727 to speak with a member of our team today.
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Dr Shanthan Ganesh MBBS, BSc(med), FRACS, MMIS
Dr Shanthan Ganesh, MBBS, BSc(med), FRACS, MMIS, is a highly respected Colorectal and General Surgeon with over a decade of experience. He graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2001, completed his FRACS in 2009, and further specialised in colorectal surgery through a prestigious fellowship.
Dr Ganesh is renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive techniques, ensuring swift recovery and optimal outcomes for his patients. A Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, he is dedicated to educating future doctors. His humanitarian efforts, including tsunami relief work in Samoa, underscore his commitment to compassionate care.
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