Laparoscopic Colon Surgery in Houston, TX

Signs That You Need Laparoscopic Surgery

Colon problems do not always present early symptoms. Some conditions build up slowly while others come on suddenly. Either way, there are certain signs that should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to speak with a surgeon.

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloating and gas that does not go away
• A bowel obstruction
• Failed non-surgical treatment
• A diagnosis that requires surgical intervention

Conditions Treated with Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Chaudhry reviews your history, imaging, and symptoms to decide whether laparoscopic surgery is the right approach for your specific condition. Common conditions are:

• Diverticulitis: Surgery may be required to remove part of the colon when tiny pouches in the colon wall become infected or inflamed and do not respond to antibiotics or other therapies.
• Colon Cancer: Laparoscopic surgery removes tumors or cancerous sections of the colon. It has become the preferred approach for many cancer surgeries because it causes less trauma to the body while still getting everything out that needs to come out.
• Colon Polyps: Some polyps are too large or complex to remove during a colonoscopy, and in those cases laparoscopic surgery is a reliable way to take care of them without the recovery of open surgery.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can reach a point where medication is no longer enough, and surgery becomes the most practical way to bring symptoms under control.
• Rectal Prolapse: When part of the rectum slips out of position, surgery can reposition and secure it to restore normal function.
• Bowel Obstruction: A blockage in the colon that does not clear on its own may require surgical removal of the affected area.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Dr. Chaudhry reviews your medical history and any existing scans or test results during the consultation. He will walk you through exactly what you need to do to prepare in the days leading up to surgery, which usually means some dietary changes and bowel prep. The whole procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Our surgeon makes a few small cuts and uses the laparoscope to see and work inside the abdomen. The part of the colon causing the problem is removed, and in most cases, the two ends are joined back together. How long the procedure takes depends on what needs to be done. Most patients go home after a night or two in the hospital.

Pain is managed with medication, and you will gradually move from a liquid diet to solid foods as your colon heals. Most people are back to light activity within two to three weeks and fully recovered within four to six weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Dr. Chaudhry and his team stay closely involved throughout your recovery with follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and make sure everything is progressing the way it should.

Why Choose Advanced Houston Surgical

Dr. Chaudhry is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and completed his general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic and his advanced fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery is not just something he offers on the side. It is the focus of his practice and something he has spent years training specifically for.

That means smaller incisions, less pain after surgery, and a faster recovery for his patients. Dr. Chaudhry takes the time to understand your condition, your history, and what you are hoping to get out of treatment before anything is decided. And when your surgery is done, his involvement does not stop there.

He follows up closely throughout your recovery to make sure everything is healing the way it should. On the insurance side, we are in network with most major PPO plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Humana. Our team takes care of the verification and pre-authorization so you do not have to. If you need flexible payment options, we can help with that, too.

Frequently Asked Questions