Laparoscopic Surgery
with Lisa Savoie, MD
Who is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most common minimally invasive treatments for removing colon cancer, using smaller incisions and instruments than those used in traditional surgery. “Any type of colon cancer can be removed laparoscopically,” says Lisa Savoie, MD, Colorectal Surgeon at GBMC. “It is a well-recognized procedure and equal to traditional surgery in effectiveness.”
Laparoscopic surgery has been used to treat colon cancer since the early 1990s. Surgeons make small incisions in the abdominal wall and may remove the colon using specialized instruments and a camera. Physicians are able to view their movements inside the abdomen on television monitors in the operating room.
“Essentially what we do is remove the diseased segment of the colon,” says Dr. Savoie. Side effects from the procedure are similar to those of open surgery and may include bleeding and infection. Advantages of laparoscopic surgery include a reduced recovery time, shorter hospital stay and decreased need for medication after the procedure. Patients are able to return to work quicker and have a better cosmetic result.
According to Dr. Savoie, “Most patients say they had a faster and less painful recovery than expected.” The typical hospital stay is two to four days. One week later, patients have a follow-up appointment to determine their next step for treatment. Some patients may need chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery if the cancer is more advanced.
Most colon cancer patients are candidates for laparoscopic surgery, with a few exceptions. “Patients who have had extensive previous surgery, which may have caused scarring, may not be candidates,” says Dr. Savoie. “Patients who have cancer that has spread outside the confines of the colon and to other organs are not good candidates either. Those people are usually offered traditional, open surgery.”
GBMC is committed to offering exceptional care, and physicians are continually striving to offer the best treatments for colon cancer patients. Currently physicians at GBMC are using new equipment during laparoscopic procedures. “We use a type of instrument where we put our hands down into the abdominal cavity to help seal it so we can keep the incision small,” says Dr. Savoie. “We also have newer instruments that cauterize, cut and seal. Technology is constantly being added and innovated.”
Laparoscopic surgery itself is a significant advancement and aids in the battle against colon cancer. “The option of laparoscopic surgery is making huge headway in terms of getting patients to come in and get diagnosed,” says Dr. Savoie.
