Panama Medical Vacations
Laparoscopic Colectomy in Panama
Laparoscopic colectomy is a technique whereby the colon can be removed using several small incisions. Traditionally, removal of the colon has been accomplished using one larger incision. The use of smaller incisions leads to less pain after surgery, less time in the hospital, and a quicker return to work and full activity. While this specialized procedure cannot be performed on all patients who need colon surgery, anyone who qualifies for a laparoscopic colectomy will want to make the journey to Panama and have their procedure at Hospital Punta Pacifica.
Prior to Surgery
Depending on your age and medical condition you may be required to undergo preoperative testing. This may include blood work, x-rays, and an electrocardiogram. The office will arrange this and give you instructions when you schedule your surgery. Patients will also be given a prescription for pain medication. It is recommended that you fill this prescription prior to the day of surgery.
On the day prior to surgery - Drink only clear liquids.
Clear liquids includes:
- Water
- Apple juice
- Tea or coffee
- Soda
- White grape juice
- Gatorade
- Chicken or Beef broth
- Plain Jell-O (no added fruit)
The day prior to surgery you may be required to take a regimen to clean out your colon. You also must take several antibiotic pills. This regimen is designed to decrease the likelihood of getting an infection.
The Procedure
Using the inserted instruments the attachments and blood supply of the colon is divided and the colon is mobilized. The colon is extracted and the remaining ends of the colon are reattached. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. Steri strips are placed. These remain on the wounds until they peel off on their own, usually in two weeks. The wounds are covered with Band-Aids. These Band-Aids can be removed the day after surgery. Patients are allowed to bathe normally the day following surgery.
After your surgery
Laparoscopic colectomy is done as an overnight stay in one third of patients. Patients can resume light daily activity immediately. Most patients after laparoscopic surgery will experience a sharp shoulder pain that resolves after 2-24 hours. It is important that patients get out of bed and go for a walk as soon as possible (the night of surgery), to improve lung function and decrease the risk of abnormal blood clots. The average patient will require 1-2 weeks recovery before resuming more vigorous activity. There is no forced limitation of activity, instead patients are asked to advance their activity as tolerated. This applies to the resumption of work, sports, and sexual activity.
Patients are allowed nothing by mouth (NPO) the night after surgery. Patients are permitted to chew gum. The morning after surgery they are given a clear liquid diet. Patients stay on a clear liquid diet till they have a bowel movement which normally occurs approximately 3-5 days after surgery.
Risks
Risks of both open and laparoscopic colectomy removal include:
- Conversion to open procedure.
- Injury to nearby structures: including intestines, spleen, and the tube that brings urine from the kidney to the bladder~ 2%
- Bleeding
- Infection in the wound
- Deep infection within the abdomen
- Leakage from the connection of the colon