Colorectal Surgery: Laparoscopic & Open

Colorectal surgery involves surgical procedures aimed at treating conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. It can be performed using two main approaches: laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgery. Here’s a detailed overview of each aspect:

Types of Colorectal Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery:

• This is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and special instruments, including a camera (laparoscope), to perform the surgery.
• Benefits include less pain, reduced recovery time, and minimal scarring.

Open Surgery:

• Involves a larger incision to access the abdominal cavity directly.
• It may be necessary for more complex cases or when laparoscopic methods are not suitable.

Common Symptoms Indicating Colorectal Issues

• Abdominal Pain: Persistent or severe pain in the abdominal area.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.
• Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without an obvious cause.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Particularly if persistent.

Common Causes of Colorectal Conditions

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the colon.
• Colorectal Cancer: Malignancies affecting the colon or rectum.
• Benign Tumors: Polyps or other non-cancerous growths.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract.