“What are the risks and benefits of minimally invasive colorectal surgery?”
I will have a minimally invasive colorectal surgery. What are the risks and benefits?
3 Answers
Benefits, faster recovery. Risks: bleeding, infection and blood clot
There are significant benefits to a minimally invasive colon surgery. The first is faster recovery and less pain. You also have a decreased risk of wound complications and hernias. In our surgical group we attempt these first but are not always able to complete them. Sometimes you need an “open” procedure. These are questions best answered by your surgeon.
The benefits include better visualization, less pain, better cosmeses, early return to normal activities, and shorter hospital stay. The risks are actually very small in the experience hands and may include conversion to open due to technical issues or incomplete removal of the diseased organ due to the lack of tactile feedback as the surgeon can't feel the disease
