Laparoscopic Colon and Rectum surgery
What is Colon?
Colon is the name given to the large intestines, which is the lower part of the digestive system. Intestines ; It consists of the small intestines, the colon (large intestines) and the last part of the colon, the rectum. Digestion of food begins in the mouth, continues through the esophagus into the stomach, and from there they almost complete the final stages of digestion in the small intestines. The remaining residues are eliminated from the body through the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum absorb the water in these residues and store the residues until defecation begins.
What is Laparoscopic Colon Surgery?
The image taken with the telescope placed in one of 4-5 small (the largest is 1 cm)holes opened in the front wall of the abdomen is reflected on the monitor. It is a technique that allows the treatment of many benign or malignant colon diseases by inserting working instruments through other holes. Thanks to this technique, compared to open surgery, the patient feels less pain, recovers faster and returns to work quicker.
What are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Colon Surgery?
Results vary depending on the type of surgery and the health conditions of the patient. However, in general, its advantages over open surgery can be listed as follows:
There is less pain after surgery
Hospital stay is shorter
Normal feeding starts in a shorter time
Bowline movements start in a shorter time
The patient goes back to work returns in a shorter time
Cosmetic results are better
IS EVERY PATIENT SUITABLE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC COLON SURGERY?
Despite the many advantages of laparoscopic colon surgery, some patients are not suitable for this procedure. This is decided as a result of joint consultation between a surgeon experienced in laparoscopy and doctors in other branches.
WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE THE SURGERY?
After the diagnosis of the disease is made with the biopsy taken during colonoscopy, tomography is performed according to the area where the disease is located to determine the stage of the disease. MRI or Endorectal USG is performed. The patient's co-morbidities are consulted with the relevant specialists.
Preparation for Surgery...
Pre-operative blood tests, medical evaluation, chest radiography and ECG examinations are performed according to the age of the patient.
After discussing the potential risks and benefits of the operation with the surgeon, the signed consent of the patient is obtained before the surgery.
Depending on the patient's health condition, blood or blood product transfusion may be required.
It is recommended to take a shower the evening before or the morning of the surgery.
The colon and rectum must be empty before surgery. For this purpose, patients take a liquid-based, fiber-free diet for a few days. Enema is performed in the evening and morning before the surgery.
The patient should not eat or drink anything after midnight before the surgery. He can only take the medications he has to use regularly with a sip of water.
Aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin E preparations should be discontinued 4-5 days before the surgery.
How is Laparoscopic Colon Surgery Performed?
Laparoscopy is the imaging of intra-abdominal organs through a telescope with a very small camera attached to the end, entered through a small hole in the abdomen.
For laparoscopic colon surgery, 1 cm above the navel. The telescope is entered through a hole of . Meanwhile, working space is gained by slightly inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. The image from the telescope is transferred to the monitor through a camera. The monitor, telescope and camera are specific to laparoscopy. Thin working tools are inserted through 3-4 other holes opened in the abdominal wall. The colon is removed using these operating instruments.
IN WHICH CASES CANNOT THE SURGERY BE COMPLETED LAPAROSCOPICALLY?
In some cases, it is decided before the surgery that the patient is not suitable for laparoscopy, or it is decided to switch to open surgery during the surgery. These conditions are: Excessive obesity, advanced adhesions due to previous surgeries, bleeding problems during surgery, or large tumors.
The surgeon's laparotomy Deciding to switch from fluoroscopy to open surgery is certainly not a complication. This decision is entirely for the safety of the patient.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER AFTER THE SURGERY?
It is very important to follow your doctor's recommendations after surgery. Most patients feel very well shortly after the surgery, but it should not be forgotten that the body needs time to heal.
The day after the surgery, patients are walked without tiring themselves in order to prevent the muscles from weakening and to help the bowel movements start.
After surgery, normal food is started within a few days, starting with liquid food, depending on the condition of bowel movements.
Many patients return to their normal daily activities after 1-2 weeks. These activities are driving, climbing stairs and sexual activities.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?
Complications: Bleeding, infection, leakage from the colon anastomosis, injury to neighboring organs such as the small intestine, ureter and bladder, pulmonary embolism.
These complications can be easily detected at an early stage. They can be treated.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL YOUR DOCTOR?
You should always be able to call your doctor. However, you should definitely call in the following cases:
High fever (38 C and above)
Excessive rectal bleeding (It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding during the first defecations after surgery.)
Increasing abdominal distension
Not relieved by medications pain
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Colds and shivering
Persistent cough or shortness of breath
Redness, swelling or discharge from the wound
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