Any experiences with laparoscopic colon resection with Da Vinci?

I had that surgery last December. I woke up w 5 little stapled incisions, but also a 4 inch lateral incision where my "blockage" was removed. Ask your surgeon about this. I did not anticipate the big scar, and although the incisions healed well, I have had ongoing pain around the big scar. This surgery will change your life, so please make sure it is necessary. I had 9 bouts of divirticulitiz in about 9 years, and everytime healing took place, scar tissue formed, eventually causing a golf ball size blockage. I am very athletic and active, and now have to wear a pad because exercion will cause fecal leakage, and I generally have about 1 minute to locate a bathroom when I feel an urge, or I have a fecal accident. I generally use the bathroom appox every 2 hours to prevent fecal accidents, usually averaging 8-9 bowel movements a day- ranging from liquid to pencil like pieces. New normal and I am 66 with no co- morbids. I try to stay positive, but this dramatic life change has been difficult. I feel like I got OLD overnight. Good luck.

I had the robotic / laparoscopic surgery for both my colostomy and colostomy take down. The colostomy was in July 2022 and the reversal was done in September 2022. I was 70 years old at the time. Both surgeries went well and my physical recovery went without any problems. I feel my recovery time was pretty good considering my age. The only scar I have is where the colostomy bag was. All the laparoscopic incisions were sealed with a type of glue. There are absolutely no scars or indications where they were. Except for about two weeks after each surgery there was relatively no physical pain. I’m glad this option was available to me as opposed to conventional surgery. Best wishes, I’m sure your procedure will be as successful as mine.

I had my entire colon removed via robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery at Mayo Rochester in Feb 2021. They connected the end of the small intestine to the rectum, thus no colostomy or bag. Had stage 3C cancer around the splenic flexure and severe diverticula at the sigmoid section. A quick recovery after the 3 days in the hospital. I had no problems with the surgery post-op but had the same cuts and scars.

I have similar issues with elimination problem 8-9 bowel movements a day, mine are entirely liquid. Leakage can be a problem especially when being physically active.

Oddly enough I chatted with Mayo about this 2 days ago. They suggested loperamide (a common OTC anti-diarrheal) and/or a thick slurry of Metamucil (or equivalent) that is barely thin enough to drink (yuk!).

The MM helps absorb the liquid in the feces so it's much less runny. I started with a heaping teaspoon at bedtime, but adjust amount and frequency as necessary. Ideally, one is supposed to take it after meals.

The loperamide slows the movement of your intestines and slows the working of food through it which allows the intestine more time to absorb the liquid. I tried one at bedtime and found that was too much (constipation), so I backed it off to 1/2 of a tablet at bedtime last night which worked better.

A note about the fiber supplement: be careful to read the labeling and fine print: some contain artificial sweeteners which some people are allergic to and some contain refined sugar or dextrose which can exacerbate diarrhea.

Last, you may find this helpful for your leakage issues:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/tightening-your-anal-sphincter-796588
Hope this helps!

Thank you for sharing your experience. Appreciate it very much.

I’m sorry to hear your unfortunate experience. My colorectal surgeon said 5 small incisions plus 4” lateral incision…
I hope you get better.

Even after surgery you still sensation of going to the bathroom. It’s surgery worth it, should it not removed . I’m in ur same condition. A large mass in the rectum. Im about to start my first chemo treatment

I had a DaVinci robotic total colectomy with rectal connection to small intestine in Aug. (no bag) due to genetic Polyposis. I've had a smooth recovery from the surgery. Still trying to figure out what foods work better than others. I'm using the IV powder sprinkled in my water throughout the day (I don't use it full strength... too much flavor). I have about 8-12 BMs per day. Most are just dumping from the rectum. No great urge, but on occasion, full blown diarrhea. I crave salt and have been eating a lot of Sourdough pretzels! I don't have a gallbladder, so I am looking for a really qualified registered dietician who is very familiar with digestion issues beyond the norm. I am slowly introducing fiber. Overall, though, it was very successful surgery. 2 days in hospital and released for doing anything within a week (I was surprised!) I hope things get better for you.

Same surgery as yours although mine was stage 3c cancer. Surgical recovery was easy and short - without complication. I had mine in Feb 2021. I'm responding not about that, but your post-surgery bowel habits.

I still go 8-9 times a day. I had given up trying to control it a year ago, but just started retrying.

Per Mayo, I tried Loperamide HCL Anti-Diarrheal which 1 tablet and 1/2 tablet dose which over-compensated the problem and resulted in constipation. They also recommended fiber which I'm now trying varying amounts. A heaping teaspoon after meals is too much, a level teaspoon is too little, so now playing with a slightly heaped spoon.

But, while the fiber works to help form a semi-solid stool, it also causes intestinal distress (gas) and it's unclear whether it reduces the frequency of movements so far. I think from here, I'll try a different fiber supplement. I have used Metamucil, but it has an artificial sweeter which I am allergic to, a generic which had sugar in it (which aggravates diarrhea, and blew my triglyceride numbers crazy) and now Metamucil with Stevia.

As for diet - for me stuff cooked in heavy fats can cause serious indigestion issues, but most fried food isn't a problem. I try to avoid sugar drinks and use pancake syrup frugally - both aggravate the loose stools.

Hope that helps. Of course your experience will vary.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am trying to learn as much how to cope before and after my surgery. I am grateful many people here try to help others.

Happy to hear your surgery was successful and recovery was smooth. But still a lot to learn how to cope after the surgery. Thank you for sharing your experience. Hope you’ll find the right diet that works for you soon.