SINGLE-INCISION LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY: The latest breakthrough of colorectal disease

What is single-incision laparoscopic surgery?rnHouston colorectal doctors have the answers you are looking for. Treatment for colorectal disease is made easier when you are a patient of Houston colon doctors. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is how Houston colorectal surgeons surgically treat their patients. It describes how colorectal surgeons gain access to the surgical site of their patients with colon disease, colon cancer, rectal cancer and other colon conditions requiring surgical intervention. A small port (a narrow tube-like instrument) is inserted into the colon patient so that colorectal surgeons can enter the abdomen. Then the colorectal surgeon uses a laparoscope (a tiny telescope connected to a video camera) inserted through the port to have a detailed, magnified view of colon patients internal organs. Specialized surgical instruments that are used specifically for these procedures are then inserted by colon surgeons through additional ports to gain access to the abdominal area and remove the portion of diseased colon and any other additional problem areas. The diseased area is then removed by colon surgeons and the healthy ends of the colon are then sewn together. What types of colon surgery are performed laparoscopically?rnHouston colorectal surgeons perform over 90% of procedures for colorectal disease using SILS. Here are some of the indications for this type of procedure: • Colon and rectal cancerrn• Colon and rectal polyps that are too large to be safely removed during a colonoscopyrn• Diverticulitisrn• Ulcerative colitisrn• Crohn’s diseasern• Familial adenomatous polyposisrn• Difficult to keep the anal area clean following a bowel movementrn• Rectal prolapsern• Endometriosis of the colonrn• Severe constipation despite medical therapy rnEven if colorectal patients have had open surgery before or suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary disease or morbid obesity, Houston colorectal surgeons can still safely and effectively perform SILS. What are the advantages of having single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS)?rnHouston colorectal surgeons have found that (SILS) has several advantages compared to traditional open surgery: • Less pain Houston colorectal patients that have SILS experience less pain than patients that have traditional surgery. This is because the trauma to the skin and muscle is reduced because of having only one incision, so patients are able to recover quicker. • Reduced infection rate Houston colorectal surgeons know that with traditional open surgery delicate tissues are exposed to the air in the operating room for prolonged periods of time since the body is wide open during this type of surgery. With SILS the delicate tissues are not exposed to the open air so the infection rate in Houston colorectal patients is greatly reduced. • Safer surgery Colorectal surgeons use video magnification for better exposure of the diseased colon, the surrounding vessels and nerves. Using these delicate maneuvers, Houston colorectal doctors are able to protect these vital structures. Houston colorectal patients that have SILS performed also significantly lower their possible need for blood transfusions during laparoscopic colon surgery. • Smaller scar Colorectal patients that use SILS can expect to have a 2 inch incision compared to the 12 to 16 inch incision left by traditional open surgery. Colorectal doctors have found that SILS leaves a considerably smaller scar with improved cosmetic results. • Quicker recovery Colorectal patients are started on a diet by their surgeons the night of the surgery and are encouraged to begin walking the morning after SILS. Patients that receive traditional open surgery sit with a nasal tube that goes into the stomach (otherwise known as an NG tube) for 5 to 6 days until they are able to resume eating. • Shorter hospital stay Colorectal doctors have found that most of their patients can be ready to leave the hospital within 3 to 4 days after SILS compared to over one week with traditional open surgery. • Quicker return to your normal life Colorectal surgeons choose single-laparoscopic surgery for their Houston colon patients that suffer from Houston colon disease, Houston rectal disease, Houston colon cancer and other colon conidtions because of the level of quality of life or QOL that can be achieved compared to traditional open surgery. Colorectal patients that choose SILS have a faster recovery when returning home enabling them to return to work and/or travel within 4 weeks. rnCan I have single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS)?rnIt is unusual that a colorectal patient is not a candidate for SILS. Colorectal doctors consult with their colon patients to thoroughly review their medical history so that they can decide whether or not single-incision laparoscopic surgery is the right procedure for them. During surgery it may be medically necessary for your colon surgeon to switch from SILS to traditional open surgery. This decision is based solely on patient safety and is rarely done, just 5% of the time. Are all surgeons performing this type of surgery?rnSingle-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) cannot be performed by every surgeon. Colorectal surgeons receive extensive training to able to perform SILS. Colon surgeons also have an expertly trained and dedicated surgical team assisting them, which is critical to perform SILS correctly. Surgeons that are brilliant in their expertise of tradtional open surgery still need specialized training to perform SILS. All hospitals do not offer the surgical and medical equipment and supplies necessary for colorectal surgeons to perform this surgery. Expert colorectal surgeons are committed to advancing the techniques of laparoscopic surgery and offer the procedure to all their patients who are in need of surgery. They will promote establishing state-of-the-art operating room facilities ensure that their patients receive a safe and smooth experience. rnSurgical treatment for such disorders as colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis have long been very invasive and extremely traumatic, requiring long terms of convalescence for the patient and extreme loss of bowel and other pelvic floor functions, such as bladder control and sexual function. However, the advent of Single Incision Laparoscopy promises a better quality of life for patients when medical treatment fails and surgery is required.