What is laparoscopic right hemicolectomy?
During the operation, the cecum, the ascending colon, and, if necessary, part of the transverse colon are removed together with the corresponding blood vessels, mesentery, and regional lymph nodes.
After the affected segment is removed, bowel continuity is restored by creating an anastomosis between the small and large intestine. The operation is performed through several small incisions in the abdominal wall using modern laparoscopic equipment.
Our approach
At MSI, every operation is carefully planned based on the results of endoscopy, computed tomography, pathological examination, and other necessary tests. The treatment strategy is determined individually, taking into account the stage of the disease, anatomical features, and the patient's overall condition.
In operations for colorectal cancer, we follow the principles of *Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) with Central Vascular Ligation (CVL)*, which involve removing the bowel together with the mesocolon within the embryological fascial planes and ligating the feeding vessels centrally. This ensures an adequate lymph node dissection and meets modern international standards of oncological surgery.
Whenever possible, we prefer the laparoscopic approach, which reduces surgical trauma and postoperative pain and speeds up recovery without compromising the radicality of treatment. After surgery, the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)* are applied to ensure a fast and safe recovery.
When is surgery needed?
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is performed for:
- cancer of the cecum
- cancer of the ascending colon
- tumors of the hepatic flexure
- certain tumors of the proximal transverse colon
- large adenomas that cannot be removed endoscopically
- benign tumors
- certain forms of Crohn's disease
- other diseases requiring resection of the right half of the colon
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- malignant tumors of the right half of the colon
- large precancerous lesions
- cases where endoscopic treatment is ineffective or impossible
- bleeding, perforation, or obstruction caused by disease of the right half of the colon
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
After the right half of the colon is mobilized, the vessels are ligated, the affected segment is removed together with the lymph nodes, and an ileotransverse anastomosis is created. The removed specimen is always sent for histopathological examination to determine the final stage of the disease.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Less surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Lower risk of infectious complications
- Faster recovery of bowel function
- Shorter hospital stay
- Better cosmetic result
- High oncological radicality in line with international standards
Recovery after surgery
Postoperative care follows the ERAS program. Already on the first day, patients are encouraged to get up early and gradually resume eating. Most patients return to their everyday activities much sooner than after traditional open surgery.
Our advantages
- Experience in complex laparoscopic colorectal surgery
- Oncological surgery according to CME and CVL principles
- Modern laparoscopic equipment
- Adherence to NCCN, ESMO, and ASCRS international guidelines
- A multidisciplinary approach to treatment
- Modern enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. If the laparoscopic approach is unsafe or technically impossible, open surgery may be recommended.
In a planned right hemicolectomy, a stoma is very rarely needed. In most cases, bowel continuity is restored during the operation.
Recovery times vary, but thanks to the laparoscopic approach, most patients return to their everyday activities sooner.
Yes. In operations for malignant tumors, the regional lymph nodes are removed in line with international oncology standards.
Not always. The final decision is made after the histopathology results are available and the case has been discussed by the multidisciplinary team.