Nezar Jrebi, MD and Jay Redan, MD

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy

 

 

 

Procedure Overview

Pre-operative Patient Care

Prep & Patient Positioning

Operative Steps

Post-operative Patient Care

 

 

Procedure Overview

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is one type of partial colectomy that involves removal of the terminal ileum to the mid-transverse colon. When performed for malignant disease an envelope of mesentery together with the corresponding lymphatic drainage with high ligation of supplying artery, this technique called Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) followed by anastomoses to reestablish bowel continuity.  

INDICATIONS:

  • Colon cancer 
  • Unresectable polyps
  • GI bleeding
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Cecal Volvulus
  • Diverticulitis
  • Ischemic Colitis
  • Intestinal Obstruction
  • Appendiceal Tumor
  • Neuroendocrine Tumor

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Pre-operative Patient Care
 

Typical recommendations for pre-operative care may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
 

  • Cardiac evaluation
  • Pulmonary evaluation 
  • Prehabilitation before surgery as indicated (such as diabetic control (A1c), stop smoking, weight loss)
  • Mechanical bowel prep and oral antibiotic
  • Optimize nutrition 
  • Carbohydrate load except for diabetic patient

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Prep & Patient Positioning
 

Common patient positioning:

  • Typically, the patient is placed in the supine or lithotomy position, depending on surgeon preference.
  • Arms tucked.
  • IMPORTANT: Patient secured to the table.
  • OG (oral-gastric) tube.
  • Venous compression boots.
  • Foley catheter.
  • Sometimes surgeon will go between the legs for the transverse colon part of the operation to maintain good ergonomics.

 

 

Common port placement

  • Arrange ports thoughtfully in case conversion to hand assisted or open case will be required.
  • Must know tumor location prior to starting the case for proper trocar placement.
  • Generally, two to three 5 mm ports and one 12 mm port are used.
  • These factors/decisions will affect trocar placement.
    • Decide if vascular pedicles are stapled or energy is used.
    • Decide intracorporeal or extracorporeal anastomosis.
    • Colon extraction site.

 

Common room setup

  • The surgeon is usually on the patient’s left side with the assistant.
  • Monitor is opposite from the surgeon.
  • Recording device is available.

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Operative Steps 

1. Access

  • Initial Access to the abdomen is generally obtained by either:
    • Veress needle technique.
    • Direct trocar view technique.

 

 

 

  • Trocar sites are identified, and trocars inserted to gain access to the abdominal cavity. 

 

 

 

 

  • Explore the abdominal cavity, assessing the liver and peritoneal surfaces.
  • Take down any adhesions.

 

 

  • Gain access to and mobilize the cecum and ileum by ligating and dividing the ileocolic artery and ileocolic vein to their origins at the base of the mesentery, using an energy device such as ENSEAL™ X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer or a stapling device such as ECHELON™ 3000 Stapler. 

 

 

 

  • Identify duodenum.
  • Identify right ureter.

 

 

  • Continue mobilization and dissect the hepatic flexure and right transverse colon mesentery by ligating and dividing the right middle colic vessels using an energy device such as ENSEAL™ X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer.

 

 

  • Ensure a complete specimen with intact mesocolic envelope containing all lymph nodes, extract specimen.

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2. Repair

  • Transect distal ileum proximal to the ileocecal valve, using a stapling device, such as PROXIMATE™ Linear Cutters, and ensuring adequate blood supply to the remaining ileum. 
  • Transect the proximal end of the right transverse colon, using a stapling device such as PROXIMATE™ Linear Cutters, and ensure adequate blood supply to the remaining colon by utilizing laser camera and ICG.

 

  • Perform a side to side or end to side anastomosis, using a stapling device such as PROXIMATE™ Linear Cutters.
  • Check the anastomosis for bleeding and leakage.
  • Close the common enterotomy using a stapling device or suture such as Monocryl™ Plus Antibacterial suture or STRATAFIX™ Spiral MONOCRYL™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device and reinforce the staple line intervention if applicable.

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3. Closure

  • Generally, a closing tray and new gown and gloves are used to lower surgical site infection.

 

  • Remove fluid from wound and close the fascia using suturing device such as STRATAFIX™ Symmetric PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device. 

 

 

  • Subcuticular layer and skin are closed using synthetic absorbable monofilament, such as Monocryl™ Plus Antibacterial suture, and a topical skin adhesive such as DERMABOND PRINEO™ Skin Closure System or any appropriate dressing. 
  • Inject wound with a local anesthetic.

 Potential complications include but are not limited to:

  • Surgical bleeding
  • Staple line Leak
  • Wound infection
  • Ileus
  • Urinary retention

 

 

Post-operative Patient Care
Typical recommendations for post-operative care may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

  • Typical discharge instructions consist of pain management.
  • ERAS protocol such as early feeding, ambulation, remove foley catheter, non-narcotic pain control.

 

 

 

Additional resources

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