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Laproscopic Vs. Open Colon Surgery

Several different reasons exist for colon surgery, such as colon resection, removal of cancerous polyps or bowel obstruction. For these types of surgery, a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or more traditional open surgery can be used.

  1. Open Approach

    • Open colon surgery is the more traditional approach. This requires longer incisions to be made in the abdomen to directly visualize and access the colon.

    Laparoscopic Approach

    • The laparoscopic or minimally invasive approach uses tiny incisions in order to access the colon. A small thin, tube with a camera on the end known as a laparoscope is used to visualize the colon, and long, thin instruments are inserted into the body.

    Laparoscopic Advantages

    • Advantages of minimally invasive surgery include a shorter recovery time due to smaller incisions for healing, less pain and blood loss and a smaller scar afterward.

    Benefits of Open Surgery

    • As the more traditional approach, the open approach allows for greater access to the colon. This is a benefit because sometimes laparoscopic surgeries must be converted to open surgeries when a surgeon cannot properly reach the affected area.

    Results

    • According to a March 2009 report published in the American Journal of Surgery, laparoscopic and open surgery approaches to colon surgery do not differ in terms of results.

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