Laparoscopic (Keyhole) surgery

Advantages of laparoscopic surgery

Because it is less invasive than conventional laparoscopic surgery has a number of advantages. Recovery times are faster so you can return to your normal activities sooner and start to eat normally again the day after surgery. Hospital stays tend to be shorter (around three to five days). There is a smaller risk of complications, such as infections, after surgery, there is less blood loss and the scars are smaller. Patients tend to have less post-surgical pain.

What to expect

Prior to surgery you will attend a pre assessment appointment to discuss the procedure and check you are fit enough to attend. You may need further tests such as a colonoscopy, barium-enema, CT scan or blood tests. You will also meet the anaesthetist.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic which means you are asleep throughout. The surgeon makes several small cuts in the abdomen. Tiny surgical instruments along with a thin tube with a light and camera on the end (the laparoscope) are passed through the opening. The surgeon is able to see inside the bowel and uses the instruments to remove the tumour.

After surgery you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored closely as you come round from the anaesthetic. You will be encouraged to get up and around on the evening or morning after your operation. Moving around soon after your operation is part of the Enhanced Recovery Programme that we use to speed up your recovery. Normally you will be able to go home three to five days after surgery although it can be longer if the surgeon needed to switch to open surgery. You will be invited to a follow-up appointment six weeks after discharge although our team will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns if you need to contact us before then.

Who can have laparoscopic surgery?

This type of surgery is not suitable for every kind of bowel cancer and your surgeon may also advise against it if you are very overweight or the tumour is large. Laparoscopic surgery may also be unsuitable if you have previously had abdominal surgery or if you have advanced heart, lung or kidney disease. In these circumstances you will be offered conventional open surgery instead. Laparoscopic surgery takes longer than conventional open surgery and, in some circumstances, the surgeon may need to switch to open surgery mid-way through the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss your individual circumstances and recommend the type of surgery that is best for you.