Re: Total colectomy/larproscopy

From: Howard McCollister (nospam_at_nospam.net)
Date: 08/17/04 

Date: 17 Aug 2004 07:09:12 -0500

"Griffin" <nospam@here.net> wrote in message
news:2004081622423950073%nospam@herenet...
> On 2004-08-12 17:01:59 -0400, tiredofthis12001@yahoo.com (Don) said:
>
> > Can total colectomy be done with larproscopy?
> >
> > Can this be done with hooking up the small intestines to your rectum?
> > (Sorry, forgot the technical name for that).
>
> You've described a laparoscopic colectomy with primary anastomosis.
> Theoretically, this sort of surgery can be done entirely through the
> laparascope. Whether or not it's appropriate, however, depends on a lot
> of variables related to the patient, the indications, and the surgeon.
>

Yes, I agree. Although it would be a *sub*-total colectomy. The
reconstruction at the rectum is often done with construction of a J-pouch to
provide reservoir function. This is technically difficult laparoscopically
and very prone to complications, the end result possibly being an ileostomy
at a second operation.

HMc