Less is More
LEss scarring
Your swimsuit is calling
Laparoscopy results in smaller incisions, better cosmesis and less internal adhesions.
Faster Recovery
Get back to being you
Minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques allow for quicker recoveries and quicker return to work and activities.
Less Pain
Less pain post-operatively
Results in less use of narcotics and less complications.
Ulcerative Colitis
Colostomy Reversal
Dr. Mark Glover is an active member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Despite the major advances in minimally invasive surgery in recent decades, recent numbers show that the vast majority of colorectal surgery is still performed via a laparotomy, or open technique. The benefit of laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery is that much smaller incisions are used while still being just as effective. Smaller incisions result in less pain, less wound infections, less hernias, shorter length of hospital stay and better cosmetic results.
Not all minimally invasive surgeries are equivalent
Most laparosocpic and robotic surgery is done through small incisions and trocars ranging in size from 5mm to 15mm or about 1/4 to 5/8 of an inch. The caveat to colorectal surgery is that most surgeries involve removing a portion of the colon which requires an incision of at least 3-4 cm or about an inch and half in order to remove the colon from the abdomen. So essentially every colectomy requires some component of traditional open surgery. The difference in that open component can be quite drastic. Many surgeons employ laparoscopic or robotic techniques to mobilivze the colon but then make a fairly sizeable incision to extract the colon and create the anastamosis (the connection between the two blind ends after resection of a portion of the colon).
Having completed a minimally invasive fellowship, Dr. Glover possesses the ability to perform colorectal surgery completely minimally invasive with intracorporeal anastamosis. This requires only a small 3-4cm incision for colon extraction. In some circumstances the colon can even be extracted transvaginal or transanal negating the need for a larger extraction site.
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What about colon cancer?
Numerous studies have shown equivalent oncologic outcomes with open colectomies verses laparoscopic or robotic colectomies. We are just as effective treating cancer and ensuring your cancer does not recur as with open techniques. Colon cancer normally first spreads to adjacent lymph nodes within the colonic mesentery. These lymph nodes are routinely harvested with the colon and then each individually surveyed for microscopic cancer cells by pathologists.
Can I have Minimally INvasive Surgery?
Essentially everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive colorectal surgery, whether laparoscopic or robotic. You may have been told that you are not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery based on your weight or previous abdominal surgery. While some factors may make it more difficult, there are no firm contraindications to minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Call or schedule an appointment to see if you're a candidate for minimally invasive colorectal surgery.