Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedures for colorectal cancer
Learn more about minimally-invasive colorectal surgical procedures.
Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedures for colorectal cancer
Learn more about minimally-invasive colorectal surgical procedures.
What can I expect in a laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedure?
Laparoscopic surgery refers to a minimally-invasive surgical technique that is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
Here, instead of performing a colectomy—which involves performing the surgery through a single long incision—a surgeon performs the procedure through several smaller, pinhole incisions on the abdomen.
A laparoscope—a long, thin instrument with a camera and light on the end—is inserted into one of these incisions enabling the surgeon to observe the surgical site. Other incisions are used to insert surgical tools needed to perform the surgery.
Concerns surrounding laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedures
While it’s used more commonly today, laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedures have been subjected to controversy with patients having several concerns about its safety and effectiveness.
Physicians have also questioned the advantages and the safety of performing laparoscopy for colorectal surgery.
Despite these concerns, laparoscopic surgical procedures are now widely accepted as a safer alternative to regular surgical procedures and are used extensively in treating colorectal cancer.
Why may your doctor recommend a laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedure for colorectal cancer?
- It’s noted that there is minimal chance of increased tumour spillage when undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
- Several studies have also revealed that there may be lesser pain and fewer analgesia requirements.
- Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries for colorectal cancer include minimal exposure of the internal organs.
- Patients often have faster recovery of gastrointestinal motility after laparoscopy than conventional surgeries.
- Patients experience short hospital stays because postoperative complications are found to be significantly less.
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Visit the Sydney Gut Clinic
At Sydney Gut Clinic, we have a team of gastrointestinal specialists trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.
If you have reservations about laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery procedures for colorectal cancer, schedule an appointment with our team to discuss your concerns and explore your treatment options.
Our specialists
Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah
Dr. Suhirdan leads the team at Sydney Gut Clinic, bringing a combination of experience, excellence, and dedication. He is a highly trained Interventional Gastroenterologist,
Dr Andrew Kim
Dr Andrew Kim is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, he undertook his physician and advanced gastroenterology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship in (IBD) at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Dr Rohan Gett
Having graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales, he also lays claim to an internship and residency at the reputed Concord Hospital. Trained, thereafter, in general surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Gett ...
Dr Fei Wen Chen
Dr Chen is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with special interest in managing patients with chronic liver disease of various aetiology, as well as general gastroenterology and endoscopy.
Sviatlana Starr
Sviatlana Starr is an expert in gut-directed hypnotherapy. She has been professionally helping people with different functional gut disorders through gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions since 2015.
Dr Allison Wong
Allison’s special interests include perioperative medicine, simulation and teaching, and regional anaesthesia.
Dr Arjuna ‘Arj’ Nagendra
Dr Nagendra is currently a consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital where he is involved with teaching anaesthetic trainees, particularly in his areas of clinical interest - airway surgery and neurovascular procedures.
Dr Katherine Lee
Dr Katherine Lee clinical interests include anaesthesia for neurosurgery, orthopaedic and trauma, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive, bariatric and obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele interests include Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Surgery and Trauma.
Antoinette Le Busque
As the Nurse Practitioner Sydney Gut Clinic, Antoinette works collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with special interest and expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
Dr Nicholas Kortt
Dr Nicholas Kortt is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in general gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy.
Dr Mark Ghali
Dr Mark Ghali is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist providing comprehensive care for all general gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Dr Beatrice Brennan
Dr Beatrice Brennan is a female gastroenterologist and hepatologist who divides her time between working as a consultant gastroenterologist and in public health.
Jodie Hicks
Jodie is a consultant dietitian with specialised expertise in gut health, gastrointestinal conditions, and bariatric and metabolic surgery.
FAQs
Is laparoscopic surgery painful?
Compared to conventional surgical procedures, laparoscopic surgery may be less painful—any pain that’s experienced can be managed with medication.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe?
Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as any other surgery. The surgeon initially inspects the abdomen to determine whether laparoscopic surgery is the suitable treatment for the patient. In case there is significant inflammation or the surgeon encounters other factors that prevent a clear view of internal organs, they may opt for conventional surgery.
How long is the recovery period for laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery?
Usually, the recovery from laparoscopic surgery is faster than conventional surgery.
That said, recovery time may vary from patient to patient depending on factors such as general health and age. The presence of other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may also affect recovery.
Consult our specialists to learn more about colorectal surgery
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.