Keyhole surgery
Laparoscopic colectomy
Keyhole removal of a segment of the large intestine — most often for colon cancer, with the surrounding lymph nodes taken as part of the operation.
In plain language
What this operation is
A colectomy removes a portion of the large intestine. The two cut ends are then usually joined back together, so bowel continuity is restored.
When the operation is for cancer, it is not only the tumour that is removed. A margin of healthy bowel either side is taken, along with the fatty tissue carrying the lymph nodes that drain that segment. How thoroughly those nodes are cleared affects the chance of the disease returning — which is why cancer surgery is planned from imaging and biopsy beforehand.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- Colon cancer confirmed on colonoscopy and biopsy
- Large or repeated polyps that cannot be removed endoscopically
- Complicated diverticular disease
- Some inflammatory bowel conditions where medical treatment has not controlled the disease
And when it is not. Whether keyhole is appropriate depends on the tumour, previous surgery and general health. Where open access is safer, that is what is recommended and why is explained.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
Diagnosis and staging
Colonoscopy with biopsy, then CT imaging to establish the stage. Nothing is planned before this.
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02
The plan
Which segment, how much, and whether any temporary stoma may be needed — discussed before a date is fixed.
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03
The operation
Through small ports where suitable. The segment and its lymph nodes are removed and the bowel rejoined.
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04
Pathology and follow-up
The removed tissue is examined, which confirms the final stage and guides whether further treatment is advised.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Early walking and a staged return to eating are part of recovery, guided by the team.
- Hospital stay is longer than for a gallbladder or appendix operation.
- Bowel habit often takes time to settle after part of the colon is removed.
- Follow-up continues after discharge, including review of the pathology report.
When to go to hospital instead
Severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with no bowel movement or wind, or bleeding — seek hospital care rather than waiting.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 Will I need a stoma?
Usually the bowel is rejoined and no stoma is needed. In some situations a temporary stoma protects the join while it heals, and it is reversed later. Whether that is likely in your case is discussed before surgery, not after.
Stoma02 Why are lymph nodes removed as well as the tumour?
Because colon cancer spreads first to the lymph nodes draining that segment of bowel. Removing them serves two purposes: clearing possible disease, and allowing the pathologist to establish the true stage — which determines whether further treatment is advised.
Cancer surgery03 Can colon cancer surgery be done by keyhole?
Often, yes. Whether it suits a particular case depends on the tumour’s size and position, previous surgery and general health. Where open surgery is safer, that is what is recommended.
ApproachNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.