Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Colon Surgery

Selected patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery may benefit from a technique called laparoscopic surgery, which can shorten hospital stays and speed recovery. Laparoscopy, involves the use of several small incisions to access the abdominal caviity, a lighted camera is used to view the operative area and long, thin instruments with handles on the outside and working tips on the inside. However, until further study has been completed, we do not believe that laparoscopic resection of cancer should be performed outside of the realm of a research study.

Benign diseases can be addressed laparoscopically as long as the extent of inflammation, which sometimes accompanies these problems, does not jeopardize a safe operation. These benign abscesses include Crohn's disease, constipation, colonized polyps, diverticulitis, and rectal prolapse. The decision to proceed with a laparoscopic operation should be the domain of the treating surgeon and should not be driven by insurance companies or industry.

University Surgeons
At Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center
1725 W. Harrison, Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60612
312-942-6500