Minimally Invasive Colectomy Can Preserve Function while Reducing Risks

A fellowship trained general surgeon has trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques to offer patients the best chance for a fast and full recovery after colon surgery, or colectomy. Dr. Alan Abando and Dr. Nicole Basa are adept at performing this intricate surgery to treat both disruptive and life-threatening conditions, from diverticulitis to colorectal cancers.

According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, more than 600,000 Americans have colon surgery each year. Our Cedar Park surgeons determine the necessity for colon surgery based on your referring physician’s notes and data drawn from diagnostic tools, including colonoscopy, a barium enema (an x-ray of liquid progressing through the intestines) or an abdominal CT scan.

About the Colon and Common Conditions Our Cedar Park Surgeons Treat

The colon is the large intestine and also includes the rectum. Its function is to funnel digested food, already leached of nutrients in the small intestines, out of the body as waste. Problems occur when infections or inflammation lead to uncomfortable symptoms, or we are concerned that the issue could progress to cancer. We treat:

• Bleeding that will not cease
• Bowel obstruction
• Colorectal cancer
• Colonic inertia
• Diverticulitis
• Gastric resection
• Heller myotomy
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis)
• Polyps
• Small bowel resection
• Stricture of the colon

Treating Colon Conditions with Laparoscopic or Robotic Colon Resection

Dr. Abando and Dr. Basa perform laparoscopic or robotic colon surgery to eliminate infected, inflamed or cancerous sections from the colon while maintaining as much of the intestine as possible. Our goal, of course, is to help you return to a regular bathroom routine with minimal disruption to normal function. With early stage colon cancer, you have every reason to hope for this restorative outcome.

Using thin, tube-like cannulas inserted in 4-5 small incisions, our Cedar Park surgeons use micro-tools and a magnified, televised view to reconnect healthy sections of the colon so that waste can continue to pass normally. Some types of colectomy prevent this from occurring: a total colectomy removes the entire colon; and a proctocolectomy removes both the colon and the rectum. In these cases, you will have an alternate method for expelling waste.

The benefits of laparoscopic or robotic colon surgery include:

• Reduced bleeding
• Less post-operative pain
• A shorter hospital stay
• Minimized scarring

Minimally invasive colon surgery will likely involve more than one overnight stay. Most patients are surgical candidates for a laparoscopic or robotic procedure. Factors that may prevent a laparoscopic or robotic approach include previous open abdominal surgery, and high risk medical problems. Colon surgery has associated risks that you should discuss with your surgeon.

To arrange for a consultation with Dr. Abando or Dr. Basa, contact us at Cedar Park Surgeons. Our entire team offers attentive and compassionate care as you gather information to prepare you for colon surgery or therapeutic treatments.