Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used as an alternative to traditional colorectal surgery to cut and remove diseased parts from the colon and rectal areas of the patient. Under this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions measuring ¼ to ½ inches into the abdomen and inserts a small surgical camera and instruments to remove the tumour or any other issue. The video-scope at the end of the tube helps them to locate the problem.
Owing to its minimally invasive nature, laparoscopic treatment in Kenya has become widespread, and many surgeons are treating their patients with the same.
What does Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Treat?
Laparoscopic colorectal surgery can address issues developed in the colon and rectal areas, such as diverticular disease, appendicitis, large colon and rectal tumors, polyps, rectal prolapse, twisting or displacement of the intestine, inflammatory bowel disease, or ulcerative colitis.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery?
There are many benefits of laparoscopic colorectal treatment in Kenya over traditional surgeries.
- During the treatment, the surgeon makes small incisions instead of open cuts on your body. As a result, it offers better cosmetic results and saves you from scarring.
- As small incisions are made, the recovery of the surgery is quicker than regular. You may be required to stay in the hospital only for 3-5 days.
- Laparoscopic colorectal surgery makes it easy for patients to resume their daily activities. With a downtime of only a week, the patients can return to their routine, usual diet, and other activities.
- The procedure doesn’t cause pain or discomfort.
- As opposed to traditional surgery to remove tumours or address any other condition in the rectal area, this surgery causes lesser loss of blood.
How is Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Performed?
It is vital to mention that not all patients qualify for this surgery. Various medical conditions may make you a less suitable candidate for the surgery. For instance, if you have a history of obesity, abdominal surgery, or advanced heart, lung, or kidney disease, the surgeon might not qualify for the surgery. In some cases, the surgery may start as laparoscopic and may be converted into an open surgery.
- The surgeon inflates your abdomen with carbon dioxide to create space for the device to enter your body.
- The laparoscope is used to send video images from the inside of the body to monitors in the operating room.
- They will use the instruments in the affected area by watching the monitors.
- The affected area, tumour, or any other issue will be removed through an incision.
- The wound will be closed with stitches or dissolvable staples.
What Impact Does Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Have on Morbidity?
The effect of laparoscopic colorectal surgery on morbidity can be understood by the following points:
- There is less than a 5% risk of bleeding in the abdomen that calls for blood transfusion.
- The risk of obstruction or blockage in the intestines due to scar tissue is reduced by 10% compared to traditional surgery.
- Laparoscopic colorectal surgery results in 5% fewer risks related to blood clots, accidental damage, infections in the abdomen, or wounds.
- The risk of heart attack, leakage from the bowel, pneumonia due to general anaesthetic, or any other damage is reduced by 15%.
- There is less than a 30% chance that the surgery cannot be completed safely with this technique. In this case, the surgeon will make a larger incision and perform open surgery.
Overall, laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a safe alternative to traditional operation with reduced morbidity rates.
How Quickly Does the Patient Recover After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery?
You may feel light-headed after the operation because of the effects of the anaesthetic, which may continue until the next morning. In the best practice, you must tell the surgeon if you feel pain or discomfort. They will give you tablets or injections.
You will be taken to the recovery room, and a catheter will be inserted inside your bladder to drain away urine. The attendant will monitor your urine from time to time. Once your condition is stable, the catheter will be removed. A drip will also be attached to provide the necessary fluids and prevent dehydration.
The surgeon will allow you to go home after 3-5 days of the surgery. In case of an open operation, you will be asked to stay in the hospital for 7-10 days. Additionally, you will be given a supply of medication and advised to take them to keep side effects at bay. You can resume your daily activities a week after the surgery or as advised by the surgeon. You will also be required to visit the hospital for a check-up six weeks after the discharge.
Takeaway
Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is an outstanding advancement in the field of medical science. As a better alternative to traditional surgery, the scope of the former is increasing worldwide.
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