Dr. Bello and the expert staff at Minimally Invasive Bariatrics have performed countless laparoscopic colectomy procedures and are progressive leaders in the field. The numerous benefits of a laparoscopic procedure over traditional surgery are on display with this surgery, as with the many others performed at MIB Surgery. Our patient-centered surgical technique creates the best possible environment for the patient and enhances the experience of the procedure itself, as well as recovery. We always put the comfort and safety of our patients first when performing surgical procedures and, as such, we evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine the correct course of action.

What is a colectomy?

A colectomy is the removal of part of the colon (a partial colectomy) or the entire colon (a total colectomy). This is also known as a large bowel and may be called a bowel resection. Colectomy is used to treat a variety of bowel diseases including cancer, polyps, recurrent infections or bleeding. The portion of the colon that is removed depends on the nature of the disease.

Reasons for a colectomy

There can be several reasons why MIB Surgery physicians may recommend that a patient undergo a laparoscopic colectomy. These range from diseases such as cancer or blockages and injuries that damage the integrity of the large bowel. The full list of symptoms required for a colectomy is the following:

• A block in the intestine due to scar tissue.
• Colon cancer
• Diverticular disease (disease of the large intestine)
• Lesions that damage the large intestine, familiar polyposis
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Torsion of the intestine (volvulus)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Intussusception (a part of the intestine pushes towards another)
• Polyps precancerous (ganglios)
• Severe infection, etc.

What differentiates a laparoscopic procedure from an open colectomy procedure?

The procedures differ in incision size, means of removal and technical performance. Laparoscopic colectomy uses three to five small incisions in the lower stomach, then the surgeon will pass medical instruments through these cuts to perform the surgery. The stomach is then filled with gas and expands, making it easier for the surgeon to see and maneuver. The surgeon will use these tools to remove the diseased part of the intestine and sew the healthy parts of the intestine back together in a process called "anastomosis." The surgeon removes the laparoscopic tools and sews and closes the small cuts.

In an open colectomy, your surgeon will make a larger cut in your stomach, which in some cases may be more than 12 inches. The surgeon will manually examine your colon to identify the part that is diseased. The colon is clamped on both sides to close it, while the surgeon removes the diseased part. If there is enough healthy large intestine and colon left, your surgeon will sew or staple the healthy ends together ... this is the standard procedure. If for some reason there is not enough healthy large intestine intact, you may need to have a colostomy (a procedure used to form an alternative channel for waste to leave the body).

A laparoscopic colectomy is a relatively quick procedure with an expected time interval of 1 to 4 hours and a much quicker recovery with much less pain than open colectomy.