Keyhole Bowel Surgery
Keyhole bowel surgery describes an approach to an operation, not one single treatment. The part of the bowel involved, the reason for surgery and your general health determine the operation, its risks and your recovery plan.
In this guide
Overview
Laparoscopic bowel surgery, also known as minimally invasive or keyhole surgery, involves using small incisions and a specialized camera to perform surgical procedures on the bowel. This technique offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.
Indications for Laparoscopic Bowel Surgery
Laparoscopic bowel surgery may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Bowel obstructions
- Adhesions
- Polyps
Procedure Details
During laparoscopic bowel surgery:
- Several small incisions, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 cm in size, will be made in the abdominal area.
- A specialized camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of the incisions to provide a magnified view of the internal organs.
- Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to perform the procedure.
Recovery and Benefits
Most patients are discharged within a few days and experience a faster recovery compared to open surgery. The benefits of laparoscopic bowel surgery include:
- Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
- Faster recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Lower risk of infection
Download Information Sheets
A clearer picture
Watch & understand
Keyhole Bowel Surgery
Watch the explanation alongside this guide. You can pause, replay or expand the video whenever you need to.
1 min 26 sec · Patient informationA little more clarity
Your questions, answered
Does keyhole bowel surgery always mean removing part of the bowel?
Not every keyhole bowel operation is the same. Some involve removing a diseased section of bowel, while others address a different problem. Ask for the name of your proposed operation, which part of the bowel it affects and what it is intended to achieve.
Can the operation change from keyhole to open surgery?
Yes. A larger incision may be needed if the surgeon considers it safer or cannot complete the planned operation through small incisions. The possibility of open surgery should be included in your discussion before consent.
Could I need a stoma even with keyhole surgery?
Yes. Small incisions do not rule out a stoma, which is an opening bringing bowel to the abdominal skin so waste can collect in a bag. Whether a temporary or permanent stoma may be needed depends on the operation and your circumstances. Ask whether a discussion with a stoma care nurse is appropriate.
Which risks should I discuss before bowel surgery?
Ask about bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby structures and whether a bowel join is planned. If there is a join, discuss the possibility of a leak and what further treatment might be needed. Your surgeon should explain risks relevant to the particular operation, rather than keyhole surgery in general.
Which preparation and recovery advice should I follow?
Use the instructions provided by your hospital team and the information sheet for your specific operation. Bowel preparation, medicines, eating and drinking, wound care and return to activity need an individual plan. Ask the team to clarify anything uncertain; do not change medicines or preparation based on general website information.
Patient information and guides
These leaflets provide general information and do not replace individual medical advice. Follow the instructions of your clinical team for your own care.
Laparoscopic high anterior resection of the rectum (PDF, 11 pages)
Information about high anterior resection, a procedure to remove part of the rectum.
Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy (PDF, 7 pages)
Patient information about surgery to remove the left part of the colon.
Laparoscopic low anterior resection of the rectum (PDF, 11 pages)
Information about low anterior resection, a procedure to remove part of the rectum.
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (PDF, 7 pages)
Patient information about surgery to remove the right part of the colon.
Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy (PDF, 8 pages)
Patient information about surgery to remove the sigmoid section of the colon.
Subtotal colectomy and formation of an ileostomy (PDF, 9 pages)
Information about removal of most of the colon and formation of an ileostomy.
Sources & further reading
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Your clinical team will advise what is appropriate for you.