Small Bowel Resection

Inflammatory conditions of the small intestine, including Crohn's disease, or the formation of strictures, or narrowed areas of the small intestine may require the removal of the portion of the small intestine that is affected. A small bowel resection is the removal of one or more segments of the small intestine. If surgery is the form of treatment your doctor recommends, physicians at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York can determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for you.

How Is Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera--smaller than a dime--which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the area he or she is operating on. Additional small incisions are made in the abdomen through which the surgeon inserts very small specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to perform the operation. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?

• Four or five tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
• Shorter hospital stay.
• Reduced pain after surgery.
• Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities, including work.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

You will receive instructions on post-operative activity and suggestions for your diet. You will need to take it easy for four to six weeks.

How Safe Is Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection?

If performed by experts in this field, laparoscopic small bowel resection is as safe as "open" surgery in carefully selected cases.