Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery

Expertise in Laparoscopic Surgery

Washington Colorectal Surgery has extensive experience in performing a number of laparoscopic procedures.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Until quite recently, most traditional colorectal surgical procedures required large incisions with lengthy hospitalization and recovery. Now, many colorectal surgeries can be performed safely and effectively with minimally invasive techniques or laparoscopic surgery. Using a small telescope with built-in magnification, long, thin surgical instruments are placed through 3-5 incisions (each of which is usually no larger than a dime in size) and the surgery is performed in a manner that is similar to how it would be performed through an open incision.

Minimally invasive procedures offer the same diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of traditional open surgery - but also reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results.

Procedures:

Right Hemicolectomy
Transverse Colectomy
Left Hemicolectomy
Sigmoid Colectomy
Total Abdominal Colectomy
Colectomy with Rectopexy
Low Anterior Resection

Exploratory Laparoscopy
Lysis of Adhesions
Small Bowel Resection
Ileostomy
Colostomy
Hartmann's Procedure

da Vinci® Surgery

If you need surgery to treat your colorectal condition, you may be a candidate for da Vinci Surgery — a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure. At Washington Colorectal Surgery, Dr. Wiltz and Dr. McQuade use the most advanced technology available today, the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci allows your doctor to perform delicate and complex operations through a few tiny incisions with increased vision, precision, dexterity and control.

Many standard laparoscopic procedures may be performed more quickly and easily using the da Vinci Surgical System. This is because the da Vinci System delivers equal or improved outcomes while maintaining the same "look and feel" of open surgery. Standard laparoscopy uses small incisions to insert long-shafted instruments, but has certain limitations when the procedure, patient’s anatomy or condition is challenging or complex.

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is unique to each patient and procedure. The da Vinci Surgical System is considered safe and effective, but may not be appropriate for everyone. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as the benefits and risks.

Dr. Othon Wiltz and Dr. Jennifer McQuade

In the News

Washingtonian Top Doctors