Surgery

Keyhole Removal of Part of the Bowel

Why It’s Done (Indications)

Done to treat conditions affecting the large intestine (colon), including colon cancer, severe diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis), or large polyps.

How to Prepare (Preparations)

• You may undergo a bowel preparation routine (drinking a strong laxative solution) the day before to clean the colon completely.
• Fasting (no food or drink) for 6 hours before surgery.
• Pause blood-thinning medications as instructed by your doctor.
• Receive prophylactic IV antibiotics before surgery.

What Happens (Procedural Details)

• Anaesthesia & Entry: Performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes 4 to 5 keyhole incisions across the abdomen and inflates the abdominal cavity with gas.
• Mobilization: Guided by the laparoscope, the surgeon uses advanced ultrasonic or energy devices to seal blood vessels and carefully detach the diseased section of the large intestine (colon) from its attachments to other internal organs and the abdominal wall.
• Resection (Removal): The blood vessels supplying the diseased colon segment are safely tied off and cut. A small extension (4–7 cm) is made to one of the keyhole incisions, and the affected bowel section is lifted out of the body.
• Reconnection (Anastomosis): The two healthy remaining ends of the intestine are reconnected using specialized surgical staplers or hand-sewn stitches to restore the continuous pathway for digestion.
• Stoma Creation (if needed): If the bowel is too inflamed to safely sew back together immediately, the upper end of the bowel is brought out through an opening in the abdominal skin to form a temporary or permanent colostomy/ileostomy bag.
• Closure: The abdominal cavity is flushed with warm saline, inspected for bleeding or leaks, and the keyhole cuts are closed.
   

Recovery (Postoperative Care)

• Expect a hospital stay of 3 to 7 days.
• You will start with clear liquids and progress to solid foods as your bowel function recovers.
• Early walking is essential to prevent blood clots and stimulate bowel movement.
   

Risks (Potential Complications)

• Anastomotic leak (a breakdown where the bowel ends were rejoined, causing infection).
• Temporary bowel paralysis (ileus) or bleeding.
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in legs).