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What is a laparoscopic ileocolectomy?
A laparoscopic ileocolectomy is an operation that removes a diseased section
of the ileum (last segment of the small intestine) and ascending colon (first
segment of large intestine).
(Figure to right: Laparoscopic ileocolectomy removes a diseased section of the ileum
(not shown) and ascending colon (lighter shaded area).
The surgery is used to treat:
- Cancer
- Non-cancerous growths
- Areas of swelling (inflammation) due to Crohn's disease
The term "laparoscopic" refers to a type of surgery called
laparoscopy. Laparoscopy enables the surgeon to complete the surgery through
very small "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a small,
telescope-like instrument, is placed through a small incision near the
bellybutton.
What happens during the surgery?
There are four main steps to this surgery.
Step 1: Positioning the
laparoscope
Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small cut (about 1/2
inch) near the bellybutton. A laparoscope will be inserted into the abdomen
through this incision. Images taken by the laparoscope will be projected onto
video monitors placed near the operating table.
Once the laparoscope is in place, the surgeon will make 5 or 6 more
"keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. (
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