Condition Type | Condition Name | Details |
---|---|---|
Cancer | Colon cancer | The affected portion of the colon is removed, and the remaining ends are reconnected. The surgery allows for precise removal of the tumour with minimal invasion. |
Rectal cancer | The tumour and surrounding tissue are removed. For advanced stages, this may include part of the rectum and nearby lymph nodes. The remaining sections are reconnected. | |
Inflammatory bowel diseases | Crohn's disease | Inflamed sections of the intestines are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The remaining healthy sections are reconnected. |
Ulcerative disease | Diseased sections of the colon and rectum are removed, which can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The healthy ends are reconnected. | |
Polyps | Colon polyps | Polyps that are at risk of becoming cancerous are excised to prevent progression to cancer. |
Rectal issues | Rectal prolapse | The rectum is repositioned and secured to prevent it from slipping out of place. |
Rectal intussusception | The folded section of the rectum is corrected, and the tissue is stabilised to prevent recurrence. | |
Obstructed defecation syndrome | The cause of obstruction is addressed by removing or repairing the affected part of the colon or rectum to restore normal bowel function. | |
Other conditions | Diverticular disease | Infected or inflamed pouches (diverticula) in the colon are removed, and the healthy sections are reconnected. This can alleviate pain and prevent further issues. |
Appendicitis | The inflamed appendix is removed through a small incision, which reduces pain and prevents rupture. | |
Colon volvulus | The twisted section of the colon is untwisted and, if necessary, removed to prevent obstruction and restore normal bowel function. | |
Familial polyposis | Sections of the colon with numerous polyps are removed to prevent the development of colon cancer. The healthy sections are reconnected. | |
Bowel leakage or stool incontinence | Depending on the cause, surgery may involve repairing or strengthening the muscles around the rectum or creating a stoma for waste to exit through an opening in the abdomen. |
Many people with conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and certain types of polyps can have laparoscopic surgery. However, not everyone is suitable. If you’ve had many previous abdominal surgeries, are severely obese, or need emergency surgery, you might need open surgery instead. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific situation to determine if you’re a good candidate.
The length of the surgery can vary depending on what exactly needs to be done, but it usually takes between 2 to 4 hours. Your surgeon will give you a more specific idea based on your situation.
After the surgery, it's normal for your bowel movements to change. You might have more frequent and loose stools at first, but this should get better as your body adjusts. Your surgeon will give you dietary advice to help manage these changes.
After surgery, you might need to make some lifestyle changes to help with your recovery and maintain your health. This could include eating more fibre-rich foods to support bowel health, staying well-hydrated, and doing regular, moderate exercise. Your surgeon will provide you with guidelines tailored to your needs.