Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

The main difference between open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery is the means through which the abdominal organs are accessed. Keyhole surgery avoids large open wounds, opting instead for smaller incisions about 0.5 to 1.5cm in length. This results in:

• Reduced pain and bleeding
• Shorter hospital stays
• Quicker recovery period
• Less scarring
• Lower risk of blood loss and injury
• Lower risk of complications

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be done via 4 different operative techniques, each one requiring specialised skills from an experienced colorectal surgeon to perform effectively:

• Full Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

  The standard method where small incisions are made on the abdomen, through which a laparoscope and microsurgical instruments are inserted.

• Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

  This method is a hybrid of open and keyhole surgery. Here, the laparoscope is inserted through a small incision, while the surgeon’s hand fully accesses the abdominal organs via a larger opening.

• Single-port Laparoscopic Surgery

  Standard laparoscopic procedures typically create separate incisions to accommodate the laparoscope and surgical instruments. In this method, only one point of entry is done for all surgical equipment. The incision is usually created in the naval area to minimise scarring and pain.

• Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

  The most advanced method, this involves the use of either a remote manipulator or a computer which controls robotic arms that will perform the actual surgery with great precision.

Colorectal surgeons have to be specially trained for laparoscopic colorectal surgery, as the skill-sets and equipment are completely different from open operations. Dr Kam Ming Hian was trained in Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Colorectal Surgery and is skilled in all types of laparoscopic colorectal surgeries.

In his previous role as Director of Robotics & Minimally-invasive surgery, Dr Kam had organised numerous international workshops and helped train a new generation of surgeons in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Majority of colorectal cancers can be safely removed with laparoscopic colorectal surgery. It’s been proven by several international multi-centre trials that this form of resection is as effective as open surgery for cancer treatment. However, do note that not all cancers can be removed using this technique.