Colorectal Surgery
In the past, large incision were almost always necessary in any case involving the bowel. Now, with the ability to access with laparoscopic and robotic approaches, smaller incision can be made and the recovery time is reduced.
Laparoscopic Surgery
In this type of minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdominal cavity to insert surgical instruments. Along with it, a long thin lighted tube with a camera on the end known as laparoscope is also inserted. This instrument is used to transmit high resolution images of the abdominal cavity to a monitor in the operating room.
The surgical instruments are the extension of the surgeon’s hands to perform the procedure with much finer and more precise movements. In the newly emerging robotic colorectal surgery, the surgeon makes use of miniaturized instruments, operated with a console and a 3D camera to complete the operation, which makes for enhanced precision, flexibility, and control.
There are still situations when an Open Procedure is necessary. As the name indicates, the doctor makes an incision into the abdomen to access and to repair the area of concern. Inpatient hospital stay is usually 3-5 days and overall recovery time is longer than above two surgeries.
Patients who suffer from Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome may begin to develop scar tissue in the colon and rectum that can affect how those organs function. Diverticulitis, colonic bleeding, bowel obstructions, rectal prolapse, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids can effectively be treated by various types of colon surgery. In some cases, restructuring the bowel may be required to effectively control certain types of conditions that affect the colon. In the end, however, the surgical procedures that are performed can have a significant impact on the quality of life for the person being treated.
Glacier Surgical Associates uses the latest technology and information management protocols to conduct diagnosis and treatment of colorectal problems.
