Colorectal surgery can be performed through open surgery or with laparoscopic techniques. Dr Moodley has expertise in minimal access or laparoscopic surgery; he may perform the following procedures to treat colorectal conditions:

• Laparoscopic colectomy - A laparoscopic colectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done to treat surgical conditions that may affect the colon. The colon is the large organ in the digestive tract known as the large intestine or large bowel. These conditions can include colon cancer, inflammatory disease, or diverticulitis.
  This procedure involves the surgeon removing a portion of the colon. There are various types of laparoscopic colectomy procedures, such as:
  • Partial colectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the colon.
  • Total colectomy: This is a procedure that is done to remove the entire colon.
  • Hemicolectomy: This is when the surgeon removes the left or right portion of the colon.
  • Proctocolectomy: This involves the removal of both the rectum and colon
  
  During a laparoscopic colectomy, Dr Moodley will make keyhole incisions on your abdomen. He will then pass through a laparoscope and other surgical instruments through the incisions. The laparoscope is a tiny scope that has a camera and a light attached to it, which helps guide the surgeon throughout the procedure.
  
  The surgeon will use surgical instruments to remove the affected area of the colon and repair it. After the procedure, the colon will be reinserted back into your abdomen, and the incisions will be stitched close.



• Laparoscopic-assisted Total Mesorectal excision for rectal cancers - Laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision is a surgical procedure which involves the surgeon using laparoscopic techniques to treat rectal cancer where the bowel and the tumour are entirely removed, as well as the surrounding fat and lymph nodes.
  
  Laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision is normally indicated for people who have rectal tumours, especially patients who are at risk of a permanent colostomy bag, such as males, obese patients and patients that have a narrow pelvis.
  
  During the procedure, general anaesthesia will be administered so that you don't feel anything throughout the procedure. Dr Moodley will make small incisions on your abdomen and immobilize the rectum and the colon. He will use a laparoscope and other tools and remove cancer and the portion of the colon as well as other surrounding tissue around the rectum. The remaining colon will be attached to the remaining rectum. After the procedure, the stitches will bd stitched close.