What is laparoscopic small bowel resection?
During the operation, the diseased segment of the small intestine is removed together with the necessary margin of healthy tissue.
After resection, an intestinal anastomosis is created to restore the natural passage of intestinal contents.
For malignant tumors, the operation follows the principles of oncological surgery, with removal of the corresponding mesenteric segment and the regional lymph nodes.
Our approach
At MSI, diseases of the small intestine are treated in line with modern guidelines from the *NCCN, ESMO, EAES, and SAGES*.
Before surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, which may include:
- computed tomography
- MR enterography
- capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy (when indicated)
- laboratory tests
- biopsy, if possible
*When technically feasible and oncologically safe, we aim to perform small bowel resection laparoscopically.* The minimally invasive approach significantly reduces surgical trauma and postoperative pain and speeds up the return to an active life.
Postoperative treatment follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
When is surgery needed?
Laparoscopic small bowel resection is performed for:
- adenocarcinoma of the small intestine
- neuroendocrine tumors (NET)
- GIST of the small intestine
- benign tumors
- Meckel's diverticulum
- strictures
- intestinal fistulas
- adhesive or tumor-related obstruction
- ischemia or necrosis of the small intestine
- traumatic injuries
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- a localized disease process
- benign or malignant tumors
- complications of Meckel's diverticulum
- intestinal obstruction
- bleeding
- perforation
- ineffective conservative treatment
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Laparoscopic instruments and a camera are inserted through small punctures. After the abdominal cavity is explored, the affected segment of the small intestine is mobilized and resected together with the corresponding mesentery, and an intestinal anastomosis is then created.
Modern stapled or hand-sewn sutures are used as needed. The removed specimen is always sent for histopathological examination.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Minimally invasive approach
- Less surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster return of bowel function
- Lower risk of infectious complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Better cosmetic result
- Adherence to modern oncology standards
Recovery after surgery
Postoperative treatment follows *ERAS* principles.
Patients start walking early and gradually resume eating. The length of the hospital stay depends on the nature of the disease, the extent of the operation, and the individual course of the postoperative period.
For malignant tumors, further treatment is decided once the histopathology results are available.
Our advantages
- Specialization in laparoscopic abdominal and oncological surgery
- A commitment to laparoscopic small bowel resection
- Experience in treating both benign and malignant diseases of the small intestine
- Radical oncological resections with lymph node dissection
- A multidisciplinary approach
- Adherence to NCCN, ESMO, EAES, and SAGES international guidelines
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. When it is technically feasible and safe, we prefer the laparoscopic approach. Extensive disease or severe complications may require open surgery.
In the vast majority of cases, no. An intestinal anastomosis is created immediately after resection. A stoma is needed only in exceptional clinical situations.
After laparoscopic surgery, most patients return to everyday activities within *2--4 weeks, and full physical recovery takes about 4--6 weeks*.
For malignant tumors, the need for chemotherapy or other treatment is decided after histopathological examination and discussed by the multidisciplinary tumor board.
No. We remove only the necessary length of bowel, ensuring radical treatment while preserving as much bowel function as possible.