What Is a Laparoscopic Ileocolectomy and Right Colectomy?
A laparoscopic ileocolectomy is an operation that removes a diseased section of the ileum (last segment of the small bowel) and ascending colon. In a right colectomy, the surgeon removes the ascending colon, but leaves the ileum. Both surgeries are used to treat the following: • Cancer • Non-cancerous growths • Areas of swelling (inflammation) due to Crohn’s disease The term “laparoscopic” refers to a type of surgery called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy enables the surgeon to operate through very small “keyhole” incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a small, telescope-like instrument, is placed through a small incision near the bellybutton.
