If a colon condition requires surgery for treatment, Duke's skilled surgeons provide minimally invasive colon surgery, which allows for faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Duke's colon surgeons use laparoscopic methods (also called keyhole surgery). In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes a tiny incision in your belly, inserts a camera into that incision, and performs the surgery using small graspers.

Nearly 80 percent of the colon surgeries at Duke are performed laparoscopically.

For rectal polyps and cancers, trans-anal endoscopic micro-surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option. In this instance, doctors can remove rectal polyps and tumors that are 20 centimeters away from the opening to the anus. No incisions are necessary to perform this procedure. 

Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery

• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Colon polyps
• Rectal prolapse
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery

Minimally invasive colon surgery reduces recovery time, and you can resume your normal activities sooner. With minimally invasive surgery, you will spend less time in the hospital, and your need for pain medication will be greatly reduced as well.

Minimally invasive surgery offers cosmetic benefits, too. The scar from the surgery is small and easily hidden. The surgeon makes a tiny incision -- from four to seven centimeters -- that is easily hidden below your belt line or belly button. Traditional surgery requires an incision larger than 20 centimeters-- big enough to fit a hand through.

Risks