In April of 2009, Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida performed its first single incision laparoscopic right colon resection in Delray, FL. The very next month, they performed their first single incision laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection. So, you might be asking yourself…just what the benefits of Laparoscopic surgery for GI reflux are.

There are many benefits to undergoing Laparoscopic surgery, as opposed to an open procedure. First, while the procedure itself is a bit longer, the hospital stay will be greatly reduced….sometimes being discharged on the same day. The patient will also experience less hemorrhaging, which lowers the need for a blood transfusion.  Another benefit of Laparoscopic surgery is that it utilizes a smaller incision, reducing pain and allowing for a shorter recovery time and less scarring. Finally, the patient will have much less pain, thus reducing the dependency on pain medication.

Those who suffer from sever heartburn may want to inquire about Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. Be sure to inquire with your physician and gain a full understanding about:

• What is GI reflux
• Treatment options for GI reflux
• Details about Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery
• What you can expect after the surgery

Single Incision Laparoscopic surgery, sometimes referred to as minimally invasive surgery, is done using small incisions (between .5cm – 1.5 cm) as opposed to larger incision used in more traditional procedures. In open surgery, the incision is usually large enough for the physician to place his/her hand inside the patient. There have also been new advancements leading to a type of surgery referred to as  “keyhole surgery” which utilize images displayed on monitors to magnify certain elements. The big difference, is that Laparoscopic surgery includes operations around the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Keyhole surgery is usually conducted in the thoratic or chest cavity (also called thoracoscopic surgery).

If you have done your research, spoken with your physician, and decided that Laparoscopic surgery is for you…here are a few things that you can expect:

• The first thing you will need to do is complete a written consent form for surgery. This ensures that you are aware of the benefits and risks of this type of surgery.
• You will need to undergo a few things prior to the operation, such as a medical evaluation, blood work, a chest x-ray, and possibly an EKG
• Some surgeons ask that that patients undergo a colon cleanse to clean out the intestines prior to surgery. This might entail fasting and drinking clear liquids for several days leading up to the surgery
• You may need to cease taking certain vitamins or medications for a few days prior to surgery. These can include arthritis medication, anti-inflammatory meds, vitamin e, diet medications, st. john’s wort, etc
• No smoking for a certain period of time leading up to surgery

Dr. Belizon of Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida specializes in this type of procedure and is excited to consult with any new patient on what to expect. To schedule an evaluation, call Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida at 561-381-5991. The offices are conveniently located at 4800 Linton Blvd in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information, please check the website at www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com .

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 20th, 2009 at 9:41 pm and is filed under Colon Cancer Treatment, Colon Surgery South Florida, Diverticulitis Facts, Hemorrhoid Symptoms, Minimally Invasive Florida Doctors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.