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Reasons for Lap Sigmoid Colectomy

Lap sigmoid colectomy is laparoscopic surgery to remove the sigmoid portion of the colon (large intestine or bowel). Performing the surgery laparoscopically means that instead of making one large incision in the abdomen, the surgeon makes several small incisions and then uses a tiny camera to see what he is doing inside the abdomen.

  1. Sigmoid Colon Cancer

    • When cancer occurs in the sigmoid portion of the colon, treatment involves removing that portion of the colon. Chemotherapy may be necessary after surgery if the cancer has spread at all.

    Diverticular Disease

    • Diverticular disease is a condition in which part of the inner lining of the colon protrudes through the colon walls. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation. In severe cases, the affected part of the colon, most often the sigmoid, must be surgically removed.

    Bowel Obstruction

    • Bowel obstructions can be caused by a number of things, including a kink in the intestine, swallowing inedible objects, hernias, scar tissue, tumors and cysts. In some cases, treatment involves removing part of the colon.

    Trauma

    • The sigmoid portion of the colon can be damaged by severe trauma. Sometimes the damage can be repaired but sometimes the damaged portion of the colon must be removed.

    Why Laparoscopic Surgery?

    • Laparoscopic surgery is preferable to open surgery because the recovery time is faster and the risk of complications is lower. Sometimes scar tissue or other problems prevent surgery from being performed laparoscopically, however.

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