GI Cancer Surgery

Though many digestive problems can be treated successfully with lifestyle changes or medications, some conditions may require laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) are "minimally invasive" procedures commonly used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike traditional surgery on the colon or other parts of the intestines where a long incision down the center of the abdomen is required, laparoscopic surgery requires only small "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. In the case of hand-assisted surgery, a 3-4 inch incision is also used to allow the surgeon's hand access to the abdominal organs. As a result, the person undergoing the procedure may experience less pain and scarring after surgery, and a more rapid recovery.

Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat conditions including: