Minimally Invasive Colon & Rectal Surgery

There are a variety of diseases and conditions of the colon and rectum for which surgery is recommended. In addition to the decision to undergo surgery, patients are often faced with a choice of traditional or minimally invasive surgical techniques. In order to participate fully in the decision-making process, patients need information about the following issues:

• How is traditional “open” surgery performed?

• What is “minimally invasive” colon and rectal surgery?

• A description of the minimally invasive surgery techniques available

• The benefits and risks of minimally invasive surgery

• The types of operations and diseases for which minimally invasive surgery is appropriate

• Individual patient factors that must be considered

• Questions to discuss with the surgeon

Minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery is a continually changing field. Every year brings new information based on further refinements and increasing use of these techniques.

Learn more about minimally invasive surgery at ASCRS.