Colorectal Surgical Associates – Houston Laparoscopic Colon Surgeons – Dr. Haas & Dr. Pickron

LESS PAIN. Since the overall trauma to the skin and muscle is reduced, post operative pain is less - allowing patients to recover quicker.
REDUCED INFECTION RATE. Since the delicate tissues are not exposed to the air of the operating room over long periods of time - as they are when the body is wide open in traditional operations – the infection rate is lower.
SAFER SURGERY. Video magnification offers us better exposure of the diseased colon and its surrounding vessels and nerves. As a result, delicate maneuvers can be performed to protect these vital structures. For instance, the need for blood transfusions is significantly less during laparoscopic colon surgery.
SMALLER SCAR. A 2 inch incision leaves a considerably smaller scar and improved cosmetic results than the 12 to 16 inch incision used during open surgery.
QUICKER RECOVERY. Patients are started on a diet the same night of surgery and are encouraged to begin walking the next morning. Following open surgery, most patients sit with a nasal tube that goes into the stomach (NG tube) for 5 or 6 days until they are ready to begin eating.
SHORTER HOSPITAL STAY. Most of our patients are ready to leave the hospital in 3 or 4 days compared to a stay of over one week following open surgery.
QUICKER RETURN TO YOUR NORMAL LIFE. The recovery once you leave the hospital is also much faster. Most patients are able to return to work or travel within 4 weeks.

Some Medical Advice

With Open Surgery, you can expect a surgical scar of 10 to 16 inches long. The return of bowel activity (able to eat) from 5 to 6 days. And the average lenght of hospital stay as long as 6 to 8 days.

In contrast, with Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Colon Surgery, your surgical scar is just 2 to 3 inches long. Bowel activity returns in just 2 to 3 days. On average , hospital stay is just 3 to 4 days.