Laparoscopic Colon Surgery (Polyps, Colon Cancer)

Surgical Associates of Marshall County offer laparoscopic colon surgery to treat colon cancer and polyps in Albertville and Guntersville.

Laparoscopic colon surgery is the leading form of treatment for all stages of colon cancer as well as for the removal of pre-cancerous polyps. The operation is also referred to as a colectomy or a segmental resection of the colon.

Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

Laparoscopic colon surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. Your colorectal surgeon will use a specialized tool called a laparoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light, camera and other surgical equipment, to carefully remove the diseased portion of the colon.

During the operation, the laparoscope projects an image of the targeted area onto a screen in the operating room to give your surgeon an enhanced view of the procedure. The portion of the colon affected by cancer is removed, along with the nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. The remaining portions of the colon are then joined together for proper bowel functioning.

This is all done through three to five minor incisions in the abdomen, eliminating the need for one large wound. You will be given a general anesthetic to remain asleep during the course of the operation.

The length of the hospital stay following laparoscopic colon surgery will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The stage of cancer treated
• The amount of the colon removed during surgery
• The number of polyps removed during surgery

Many people remain in the hospital for several days following laparoscopic colon surgery. In certain cases, extremely early forms of colon cancer and polyps can be treated during an incisionless colonoscopy. Your surgeon will determine the best mode of colon surgery for your needs.

Side Effects and Risks of Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

Laparoscopic colon surgery reduces many of the risks associated with traditional forms of colon cancer treatment, such as colectomy. You should expect to experience some moderate discomfort following the operation, and your surgeon will likely provide you with pain medication for two to three days following colon surgery.

The removal of a portion of the colon will interfere with normal digestion for several days, as the colon will require time to heal. During this time you will be limited to a clear liquid diet and will be given nutrients intravenously. In some cases, a colostomy or ileostomy may be needed to dispose of waste. Most people are able to return to their normal diet several days following laparoscopic colon surgery.

To learn more about laparoscopic colon surgery at Surgical Associates of Marshall County, please call 256-840-5547 (Albertville) or 256-571-8734 (Guntersville) or complete our online contact form.