Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Colorectal Surgery in Glendale, CA

Why People Struggle

• They assume “minimally invasive” is always better, regardless of diagnosis or anatomy (SAGES Guidelines).
• They expect the same recovery for colon and rectal surgeries, which can differ in risk and technique (The Lancet Oncology).
• They overlook the role of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways in speeding recovery, no matter the incision size (AHRQ).
• They are unaware that some minimally invasive cases must convert to open for safety (NIH/PMC review).
• They expect identical cancer outcomes without considering case selection and surgeon experience (SAGES Guidelines).

In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and make informed choices.

How Minimally Invasive Surgery Can Help

Studies comparing laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open colorectal surgery report less blood loss, fewer wound problems, and shorter hospital stays with the minimally invasive approach in many cases. Randomized trials and large reviews support these findings (NEJM; PubMed). For many colon operations, long-term cancer outcomes are similar between laparoscopic and open surgery when performed appropriately (SAGES Guidelines).

Not sure which operation applies to your situation? Review the types of colorectal surgeries to see how each procedure is performed and when it’s used.

What this means for patients in Glendale, CA: if your condition and anatomy are suitable, a minimally invasive approach may help you leave the hospital sooner and get back to normal activity faster. Many patients return to daily tasks earlier than with open surgery (SAGES patient info).

Recovery is also shaped by ERAS care paths that manage pain, fluids, and mobility. ERAS programs are linked to shorter stays and fewer complications in colorectal surgery (AHRQ; NIH/PMC).

Common Mistake: Assuming It’s Right for Everyone

Not all colorectal problems are a fit for laparoscopy or robotics. Factors like prior surgeries, scar tissue, body habitus, tumor stage, or urgent infection can limit minimally invasive options. In some cases, surgeons begin laparoscopically and convert to an open incision to keep the operation safe—this is not a failure, but a judgment call (NIH/PMC review).

If diverticulitis is part of your history, review the risk factors for diverticular disease and practical ways to lower your chances of future flare-ups. If your symptoms point toward diverticular disease, learn how gut health and diverticulitis are connected and which habits can reduce flare-ups.

The better approach: discuss suitability, the chance of conversion, and expected outcomes with your surgeon. Professional guidelines stress that results depend on proper case selection and surgeon experience (SAGES Guidelines).

What Results to Expect

When minimally invasive surgery is appropriate and combined with ERAS, patients often see shorter hospital stays and similar survival for many colon cancer operations compared with open surgery (NEJM; SAGES Guidelines; AHRQ). Note: some rectal cancer cases may have different technical considerations and risks than colon cases (The Lancet Oncology).

If you’re still evaluating symptoms rather than treatment options, review the early warning signs of colon cancer to know when to seek care.

All colorectal surgery, open or minimally invasive, carries risks such as bleeding, infection, anastomotic leak, or need for a temporary stoma; these risks vary by patient and procedure (American College of Surgeons). If you’re having sharp pain with bowel movements or persistent spasm after surgery, read about anal sphincter spasms and fissures, how they’re connected and treated.

FAQs

Is minimally invasive colorectal surgery safe?

For many colon procedures, it is safe and offers shorter recovery when performed by trained surgeons and with proper selection (SAGES; NEJM).

How long is recovery after laparoscopic colon surgery?

Hospital stays are often shorter than with open surgery, and return to activity can be faster; exact timelines vary by procedure and ERAS use (SAGES; AHRQ).

Can every colorectal cancer be done minimally invasively?

No. It depends on tumor location, stage, prior surgeries, and other factors. Guidelines recommend careful selection and surgeon experience to match outcomes with open surgery (SAGES Guidelines).

Does minimally invasive always mean robotic?

No. Minimally invasive surgery includes laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Evidence shows benefits of laparoscopy over open surgery in many settings; robotic approaches are another tool and may or may not add advantages depending on the case (Scientific Reports).

About Armen Gregorian, MD

Serving patients in Glendale, CA, Dr. Armen Gregorian offers evaluation and treatment for colon and rectal conditions. Learn more at lacolorectaldoctor.com.

Call Us

For help with minimally invasive colorectal surgery in Glendale, CA, contact Armen Gregorian, MD at (818) 847-7067.