Minimally Invasive Surgery

Advanced Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Procedures

Recent technological advances have made it possible to treat many colorectal conditions with minimally invasive techniques.

Benefits:

• Less trauma
• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Improved cosmesis

Conditions:

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn's disease
• Pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis & FAP
• Rectal prolapse

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of laparoscopic colon surgery?
The benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been well documented. This technique results in less trauma to your body and is associated with less post-operative pain (and therefore a decreased need for pain medications following surgery), faster recovery, earlier discharge from the hospital, and smaller scars (improved cosmesis).

How does minimally invasive colorectal surgery work?
Rather than using a large abdominal incision, laparoscopic surgery involves using several tiny incisions to allow for access to the abdomen, where the surgery is performed using a fiber optic camera and specially designed laparoscopic surgical instruments.

Am I a candidate for minimally invasive colorectal surgery?
A large majority of patients who require colorectal surgery are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Here at UCLA minimally invasive techniques are the preferred approach and are used whenever possible. Patients requiring surgery should be evaluated at specialized care centers by experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons.