Colon resection

Laparoscopic surgery has been in existence for nearly a century, yet its widespread acceptance and application in the field of general surgery is a relatively recent occurrence. With the rapid acceptance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgeons have sought other procedures which would be amenable to laparoscopic approaches. This, combined with a technology boom in laparoscopic instrumentation has made possible the development of advanced laparoscopic procedures such as colectomy. It is important to emphasize that laparoscopic colon surgery is still in an evolutionary stage, and that the procedures described are being continually refined as more experience is gained, as newer instruments are developed, and as software and video applications continue to improve. Nevertheless, the goal of any surgeon performing a laparoscopic procedure should be to perform an operation identical to the one done through a large incision.