Understanding laparoscopic colectomy surgery

At Icon Specialist Centre we offer the latest in treatment methods and technologies to treat gastrointestinal and colorectal conditions.

Our experienced team of colorectal surgeons are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and supporting you through your diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

Understanding laparoscopic colectomy surgery

Ahead of your laparoscopic colectomy surgery, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of new information people are sharing with you.

Knowing more about your surgery and what to expect before and after can help you prepare. The following information has been put together to help you understand your procedure and we hope to reduce any concerns you have.

We encourage you to speak to your doctor and care team, who are here to support you throughout your time at Icon.

We will always have time to talk to you and answer your questions.

What is laparoscopic colectomy surgery?

Laparoscopic colectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat and prevent colorectal conditions including:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Complex colorectal polyps
  • Diverticular disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Familial polyposis syndromes
  • Rectal prolapse

How is laparoscopic colectomy surgery performed?

The surgery is performed by your colorectal surgeon and involves a series of small incisions to your abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through one incision to examine your abdominal cavity and the image is examined by your surgeon. Laparoscopic instruments will be inserted through other incisions to perform the procedure. The diseased part of the intestine will be removed, along with the drainage lymph nodes, and the transected ends of the bowel will be joined back together.

Common questions

It’s natural to want to know more about your surgery. We’ve included some common questions that patients ask about laparoscopic colectomy surgery to help you. Your treatment team at Icon can also answer any additional questions that you have at any point in time.

What are the benefits to laparoscopic colectomy surgery in comparison to open surgery?

Laparoscopic colectomy surgery is performed through several small incisions to the abdomen, usually 0.5 cm to 1.2 cm in size while open surgery involves an incision of 13 cm to 18 cm in size to the abdomen. While both techniques are effective at removing intestinal tissue, laparoscopic surgery provides advantages including reduced blood loss, postoperative pain, analgesic consumption and wound infection, a faster recovery of bowel function and shorter hospital stay, without increasing the risk of developing complications. There is no difference between resection margin and oncologic clearance compared to open surgery.

How long is the recovery time of laparoscopic colectomy surgery?

The recovery time of surgery is different for everyone and depends on a number of factors including age and medical history. The required recovery time in hospital following laparoscopic colectomy surgery is usually five to seven days.

Making an appointment

Find out how to make an appointment at Icon Specialist Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Learn More

Care team

Every member of Icon’s team is here to help. Here are some of the team members you may meet and how they will be involved in your treatment.
Learn More

Our doctors

Icon brings together a strong and prominent team of medical specialists.
Learn More
View all

Search