Laparoscopic Hemicolectomy

Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof

MbChB (Sheffield) M.Med (Surg) FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士

What is a Laparoscopic Hemicolectomy?

A laparoscopic hemicolectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove a portion of the colon (large intestine). It is commonly performed to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope – a thin tube with a camera and light – to view of the internal organs magnified on a monitor.The primary purpose of this procedure is to eliminate the diseased or damaged part of the colon, reduce symptoms and improve bowel function.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hemicolectomy

Laparoscopic hemicolectomy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery.

Reduced Postoperative Pain

The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic hemicolectomy typically cause less trauma to the body, resulting in less postoperative pain, leading to a more comfortable recovery.

Quicker Recovery Time

Due to its minimally invasive nature, it often results in faster healing and a shorter hospital stay. Patients can usually return to normal activities more quickly, reducing overall downtime.

Lower Risk of Infection

Smaller incisions reduce the exposure of internal organs to external contaminants, potentially lowering the risk of postoperative infections and other complications.

Enhanced Precision and Visualisation

The laparoscope provides a magnified view of the internal organs, which enhances precision during surgery.

Indications for Laparoscopic Hemicolectomy

A laparoscopic hemicolectomy is indicated for various medical conditions affecting the colon, where removing a portion of the large intestine can provide therapeutic benefits.

Colon Cancer

Laparoscopic hemicolectomy is often performed to remove cancerous tumours from the colon. By excising the affected section of the colon, the procedure helps eliminate cancerous cells, prevent the spread, and increase the chances of long-term remission.

Diverticulitis

For patients with recurrent or complicated diverticulitis, characterised by inflamed or infected pouches (diverticula) in the colon, a laparoscopic hemicolectomy can remove the diseased segment. This helps prevent further episodes and reduce complications such as abscesses or perforations.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the colon. When medication fails to control the symptoms or there is a risk of severe complications such as bleeding or perforation, removing the affected part of the colon can alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes.

Colon Polyps

Some patients develop large or numerous polyps with a high risk of becoming cancerous. In such cases, laparoscopic hemicolectomy may be recommended to remove these polyps, especially when they cannot be safely removed with a colonoscopy.

Preparation for Surgery

Several preparations are necessary before a laparoscopic hemicolectomy to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and minimise the risk of complications.

Medical Evaluation: Patients will undergo a medical evaluation, including blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. This helps the surgical team assess the patient’s health and identify any conditions that may need to be addressed prior to the procedure.

Bowel Preparation: For surgeries involving the colon, a bowel preparation process is often required. This involves taking a prescribed laxative solution to clean out the intestines. This ensures a clear view for the surgeon and reduces the risk of infection.

Fasting: Patients are usually required to fast from the night before the surgery, avoiding all food and drinks, including water. This helps keep the stomach empty and reduces the risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs during anaesthesia.

Medication Adjustments: Patients may need to adjust their medications, particularly blood thinners, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on which medications to discontinue and when, which helps minimise the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Step-by-Step Procedure

A laparoscopic hemicolectomy surgery involves several steps:

Anaesthesia

The patient is given general anaesthesia to ensure that they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. It is usually delivered through an intravenous (IV) line or inhaled gases, and the patient’s vital signs are monitored throughout the surgery.

Incision and Access

The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, about 0.5 cm to 1 cm in length. A laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the internal organs on a monitor. Specialised surgical instruments are inserted through the other small incisions.

Removal, Extraction and Reattachment

The surgeon carefully detaches the affected portion of the colon from surrounding tissues and blood vessels, and the diseased section of the colon is removed. The remaining healthy ends of the colon are reconnected (anastomosis) to restore normal bowel continuity. The abdominal cavity is examined to ensure there is no bleeding and that the anastomosis is secure.

Closure of Incisions

The surgical instruments and laparoscope are removed and the small incisions are closed using sutures or surgical staples. Adhesive strips or surgical glue may be used to secure the incisions. The incision sites are cleaned and dressed with sterile bandages.

Post-Surgical Care and Follow-Up

Immediate Care: After the laparoscopic hemicolectomy, the patient is moved to a recovery area where vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, are closely monitored. Pain management is prioritised with medications used to relieve discomfort. The surgical team also checks for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection, and ensures the patient is stable before moving them to a regular hospital room.

Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and the healing of the surgical sites. The surgeon will check for signs of infection, ensure the bowel is functioning properly, and address any concerns the patient may have. Additional imaging or tests may be recommended if there are any complications or if the initial condition requires further monitoring.

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Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof

MbChB (Sheffield)

M.Med (Surgery)

FRCSEd (General Surgery)

蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士

Dr. Sulaiman Yusof is a distinguished Senior Consultant in colorectal and general surgery, boasting over 15 years of expertise. His passion lies in minimally invasive techniques, particularly robotic surgery, where he has achieved remarkable success using the Da Vinci Xi system. Dr. Sulaiman is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized, and empathetic care, always striving for the best outcomes for his patients.

Education & Specialist Training
  • MbChB(Sheffield)
  • M.Med(Surgery)
  • FRCSEd(General Surgery)

Dr. Sulaiman’s journey began at the University of Sheffield, where he graduated in 2002. He honed his skills during his house officer and basic surgical training in the UK before returning to Singapore. There, he completed his Advanced Surgical Training at Changi General Hospital and earned the Joint Speciality Fellowship in General Surgery in 2013.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there any long-term lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery?

    You may need to make some lifestyle changes to aid your recovery and overall health. This can include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding heavy lifting. Your surgeon will provide detailed recommendations based on your specific health needs.

    How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?

    Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled within the first few weeks after surgery to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. Additional appointments may be needed periodically to check on your long-term health and manage any underlying conditions.

    What should I do if I experience severe pain or other concerning symptoms at home?

    If you experience severe pain, fever, signs of infection at the incision site, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your surgeon or an emergency healthcare provider immediately. Prompt medical attention is necessary to address potential complications.

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