Treating Colon Conditions

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a colon condition, or have been coping with one for some time, you may now be searching for information about your treatment options. The first step is having a discussion with your doctor about the various treatment options. You and your doctor may decide that colon surgery is the best treatment. This applies to a variety of ailments, including:

• Colon Cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Diverticular Disease

How Colon Surgery is Performed

In this surgery, the section of the colon that’s affected is cut out, and the two ends of the colon are reattached. The goal here is to re-create a functioning colon. In some cases, when the colon or rectum can’t function normally, a new opening to the outside of the body (called a stoma) is created. The intestine is connected through the opening to an external bag where waste is collected – this is called a colostomy. In some cases this colostomy can be reversed. Colon resection surgery has usually been performed using traditional “open” procedures, which require large incisions. With the advancement of technology and the development of new techniques, there are now minimally invasive options (with small incisions) that are just as effective. Minimally invasive colon surgery usually reduces the pain²⁸ and scarring from the procedure and may speed the recovery process.²⁸

After Surgery

Regardless of whether you have an open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, you’ll need time to heal. If you had a colon resection, you will not be able to eat for the first couple of days and will be given intravenous fluids and pain medication. You’ll probably feel tired and weak, and possibly have slight constipation for some time after colon surgery.

Traditional Colon Surgery

In an open colon procedure,the surgeon:

• Makes an incision up to 12 inches long from the upper abdomen to the lower abdomen.
• Removes the diseased section of the colon, as well as a small portion of healthy colon on each side.
• Joins the two ends of the colon together, if possible, or else creates an opening, or stoma, to the outside.
• Closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples.

Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery

In a minimally invasive colon procedure, the surgeon:

• Makes a series of ¾-inch incisions and a single 4-inch incision in the abdomen.
• Inserts a miniature camera called a laparoscope into your abdomen through one of the incisions, and watches the images on a video monitor.
• Uses advanced, long-handled instruments inserted through the small incisions to pull the colon out the 4-inch incision.
• Removes the diseased section of the colon, as well as a small portion of healthy colon on each side.
• Joins the two ends of the colon together, if possible, or else creates an opening, or stoma, to the outside.
• Closes each incision with a few stitches.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures for Colon Surgery

While a traditional colon resection (requiring large incisions) may be appropriate for some patients, minimally invasive procedures (with small incisions) can be just as effective and may provide significant benefits such as:

• Less pain after surgery²⁸
• Less scarring
• Fewer complications⁷⁴
• A shorter hospital stay^{28, 20}
• A faster recovery and return to normal activities – MIP patients return to work 5-26 days sooner than patients who have open surgery. ²⁰

Talking to your Surgeon about Colon Surgery

Once you’re referred to a surgeon, it is important to ask questions. Learn as much as you can about your surgeon, the surgery, and your own condition. Here are a few questions for you to get the conversation started.

• Are you board certified? Which board?
• Do you perform minimally invasive colon surgery?
• Have you received advanced training in laparoscopic surgical techniques?
• Am I a candidate for a laparoscopic colon procedure?
• What are the benefits of minimally invasive colon surgery?
• What are the risks associated with this procedure?
• How many overall laparoscopic colon surgeries have you performed?  
• How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
• Will you be performing the procedure yourself?
• What have you seen in terms of patient outcomes with this procedure?
• What is the most common complication you have encountered with this procedure?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• When will I be able to leave the hospital?
• When can I resume my normal activities, including school, work, exercise, sexual activity, and recreation?
• Do you have a specialized staff that focuses on Minimally Invasive Procedures?

Don’t like the answers you get? Consider getting a second opinion. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the treatment and the surgeon you’ve selected.

Finding a Surgeon

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced in minimally invasive colon surgeries, use our Find a Physician tool.