Laparoscopic intestinal surgery is the "minimally invasive"
surgery done for treating disorders of rectum, anus and colon. Laparoscopic
intestinal surgery is advantageous than the open surgery in offering faster
recovery and less discomfort.
Laproscopic Intestinal Surgery treats various disorders like crohn's disease,
diverticulitis, familial polyposis, colorectal cancers, fecal incontinence,
ulcerative colitis, rectal prolapse, etc. The diseased tissue is removed
using laparoscopy suction devices.
Cases Treated By Laparoscopic Intestinal Surgery
• Proctosigmoidectomy: In case of Proctosigmoidectomy, the section
of the rectum and sigmoid colon that is diseased will be operated and
removed.
• Ileocolectomy Ileocolectomy is also termed as right colectomy.
In this surgery, the diseased right portion of the colon is surgically
removed. The small intestine’s final section which is associated
with the colon is also removed.
• Total Abdominal Colectomy: The total abdominal colectomy is treated
by removing the large intestine. This surgery is also used to treat familial
polyposis, ulcerative colitis, constipation and crohn's disease.
• Fecal Diversion: In case of Fecal diversion, an opening is made
between skin surface and the small intestine or opening made between skin
surface and the colon. Then surgery is done through the opening to treat
complex rectal and anal problems and poor bowel movements.
• Abdominoperineal Resection: In Abdominoperineal resection, diseased
areas like anus, rectum and sigmoid colon are surgically removed. Cancer
affected lower rectum or anus will be removed.
• Rectopexy: In this procedure, rectal prolapse is corrected by stitches
and also used to secure the rectum in its correct position.
Laparoscopic Intestinal Surgery Procedure
Phase 1: Preliminary Laparoscopy: An IV tube is inserted into a
vein in the arm of the patient. Anaesthesia is given to the patient, and
the abdomen is cleansed with antibacterial soap. Number of incisions and
location of incisions to be made for the laparoscopic intestinal surgery
are decided after verifying the type of operation to be performed. One
of the incisions is enlarged to allow the surgeon to remove the diseased
tissue and connect the two ends of the intestine, which is called anastomosis.
Phase 2: Intestinal Surgery: In the intestinal surgery, larger
blood vessels connecting the diseased section are closed. Fatty tissue
that holds the intestine in place is separated and after removing the
diseased section, fatty tissue is also removed. A temporary or permanent
opening called stoma is created.
This acts as an artificial passage through which feces that is passing
from intestine to the body (outside) is collected in an external pouch.
This pouch must be worn at all times. Two ends of the intestine are rejoined
by stapling device method or stitching. After confirming that there is
no bleeding, abdominal cavity is rinsed, gas is released from the abdomen
and incisions are closed.
Recovery after Laparoscopic Intestinal Surgery
Patient needs to stay in the hospital only for two to three days after
surgery. Patient is advised to gradually increase activity level after
returning home. Patient must not lift weight over 30 pounds or do any
abdominal exercises like sit-ups, for six weeks after the surgery. A soft
diet without raw fruits and vegetables is prescribed.
