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- iHaveNet.com: Health
Eric Dozois, M.D., Mayo Clinic
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
I've heard that
ANSWER:
The body's own natural orifices, or openings, that can be used for this type of surgery are the mouth, rectum or vagina.
In the last several years, surgical specialties -- including general, cardiac, colon and rectal and gynecological surgery -- have shifted significantly toward using less invasive techniques to treat patients. These techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries, minimize or reduce incisions and the trauma of open surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures can mean less risk of infection, less pain and quicker healing with less scarring. And one option for a minimally invasive procedure is to use the patient's natural orifices to access, diagnose and treat different parts of the body.
For colon cancer surgery, we have used a natural orifice approach in which the operation is done laparoscopically or robotically to access the abdominal cavity, and then the colon, the tumor and all lymph nodes are extracted through a natural orifice such as the rectum, vagina or anus. In this way, a formal abdominal wall incision is avoided. This minimizes the risk of wound infections, hernias and significant postoperative pain.
A completely natural orifice surgery for colon cancer patients, in which no abdominal wall incisions are made, is not currently being done at
Some patients may not be candidates for minimally invasive approaches such as natural orifice surgery. For example, if someone has a very large tumor that needs to be removed, the natural orifice approach would not be safe or appropriate. Also, some prior surgeries may reduce the likelihood of these options.
Natural orifice surgery has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in specific diagnostic and treatment procedures. The field will expand as we continue to devise smaller, automated tools and new surgical techniques. In any case, the decision to use it should be based solely on the benefits and risks to the patient and the patient's preference.
If you have questions about minimally invasive procedures such as natural orifice surgery, take them to your care provider for further discussion. Consider carefully the surgeon's experience, the risks involved -- especially when compared to a traditional surgical approach -- and your needs. You should feel well informed about your choices. -- Eric Dozois, M.D., Colon and Rectal Surgery,
Medical Edge from
Available at Amazon.com:
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
Copyright ©. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Health - Natural Orifice Surgery Minimizes the Trauma of Open Surgery