Minimal-Invasive-Proctology

Surgery is used to address a variety of colon and rectum disorders and problems. Depending on the particular circumstance, a surgeon may employ conventional (open) or minimally invasive procedures. The discipline of minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery is ever-evolving. New information based on ongoing improvements and expanding use of these approaches is released every year.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Traditional Colon and Rectal Surgery

During traditional open abdominal surgeries, the incision is typically 6 to 12 inches long. This length allows for sufficient visibility, access to the abdominal organs, and the use of hand-held surgical tools.

Because large incisions are uncomfortable and can cause healing issues, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed to accomplish procedures through smaller incisions. A range of common benign and malignant colon and rectal disorders can be successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery. Advanced surgical skills and specialised equipment are needed for all minimally invasive procedures. Numerous surgeons have received extensive training in minimally invasive surgery and are able to discuss the specific procedures they recommend. All minimally invasive procedures are carried out using:

Laparoscopic Surgery

A number of tiny incisions, each measuring about half an inch, are made by the surgeon. A camera is inserted into one of the incisions during a laparoscopic procedure, enabling the surgeon to see the interior of the abdomen on monitors in the operating room. There are often 2–4 additional incisions required for colon and rectal surgeries. To provide the surgeon space to operate, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas. Special devices are inserted into the remaining small incisions to carry out the procedure, enabling the surgeon to work inside the abdomen while viewing the camera. One slightly longer incision (between two and four inches in length) is required for many colon and rectal surgeries to remove a section of intestine from the abdomen.

Robotic Surgery or Robotic-Assisted Surgery

This method enables a surgeon to command a robot that manoeuvres the surgical tools. Similar to laparoscopic surgery, tiny incisions are used to introduce a camera and specialised instruments. The surgeon operates the robot’s instruments while seated at a console in the operating room, where they can see the surgical site in 3D. The movements of the surgeon’s hands are transmitted to the robot via a highly developed computer system, which then moves the surgical tools.

Because the robotic instruments are well suited for operating in the pelvis, where laparoscopic surgery is more challenging, robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common, especially for rectal surgeries.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

A device is inserted during this procedure through a 3 to 4 inch long incision. In addition to using laparoscopic techniques, the surgeon inserts a hand through the incision to assist with the procedure.

Single Incision Surgery or Single Site Surgery

In this method, a single tiny incision is used to pass both the laparoscope and surgical tools. This technique is used less frequently compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery.