University of Chicago - Department of Surgery

Laparoscopic Colectomy
(COLON SURGERY)

Surgery of the colon is very commonly performed as a treatment for colon cancer, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Traditional open surgery results in significant post-surgical pain and longer hospital stays and recovery periods. Many of these operations can now be performed laroscopically, which enhances patient care, shortens recovery, and decreases postoperative pain.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY USED TO TREAT COLON DISORDERS

Surgeons usually perform minimally invasive colon surgery through four or five tiny incisions, each about a quarter-inch long. A surgical instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions. A video camera at the end of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see a magnified view of the operative site on a video monitor. The surgeon then manipulates surgical instruments to remove cancerous lesions, excise inflammatory lesions, or perform other surgical procedures.

In most cases, patients have shorter hospital stays, can return to normal activity within two to three weeks, and have better cosmetic results than with traditional surgery.

THE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY CENTER

The University of Chicago Hospitals Minimally Invasive Surgery Center is at the forefront of laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons here are pioneers in advancing minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic surgical procedures, many of which are now performed all over the world.

Specialists from general and colorectal surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, plastics, thoracic, and vascular surgery all work together to offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive surgery from gallbladder and hernia procedures to surgery of the spine, spleen, stomach, colon, and other organs. These specialists also collaborate to apply laparoscopic technology to other procedures that currently require traditional open surgery.

For a consultation or second opinion with one of our minimally invasive surgical specialists, contact your primary care physician or call 773-702-6142.