Dr. Giath Alshkaki is treating many critical colon issues with minimally invasive laparoscopic colon resection surgery.

Alexandria, VA – Dr. Giath Alshkaki, laparoscopy (Minimal Invasive) surgery expert and founder of Alexandria, VA-based Infinity Surgical Associates, is well-versed in employing laparoscopic surgery for patients in need of colon resection.  Dr. Alshkaki is among the first in his area to use Total laparoscopic colon resection, even before most colorectal surgeons. Typically, Dr. Alshkaki uses laparoscopic colon resection surgery to treat patients in the greater Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC area suffering from colon cancer, diverticulitis or large colon polyps and other uncommon colon diseases which necessitates surgical intervention.

During a colon resection the affected part of the colon, or large intestine, is removed. If done through traditional surgery a large abdominal incision is made resulting in significant blood loss, risk of incisional hernia and significantly greater risk of infection. “With laparoscopic surgery my patients recover much faster, have less pain and experience a faster return of normal bowel function,” says Dr. Alshkaki. “Most importantly, patients undergoing traditional colon resection surgery have about 23% chance of wound infection. My laparoscopic patients are only at very low risk of infection.” Laparoscopic surgery and the small incisions it requires are particularly beneficial when dealing with the bacteria-ridden colon.

At Infinity Surgical Associates, the benefits of Total laparoscopic colon resection are most often applied to patients in three areas:

Colon Cancer
The American Cancer Association predicts that more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2011. Laparoscopic colon resection to treat early-stage colon cancer is a very viable treatment option when performed by a skilled, experienced surgeon like Dr. Alshkaki.

Diverticulitis
Inflamed and infected pouches within the colon can cause bloating, cramping, gas, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting and even bleeding. Diverticulitis is a common condition that causes no symptoms in some and in others can be controlled with medication. For patients with recurrent, severe diverticulitis that is non-responsive to medication, colon resection surgery is needed. Perforation of the colon or stricture (narrowing) must be surgically corrected, particularly in patients under age 50.

Colon Polyps
Polyps are abnormal growths in the lining of the colon that are typically detected during a routine colonoscopy. Most small polyps can be removed at that time. However, larger polyps require removal through colon resection. Surgical removal is important for two reasons. First, left in place larger polyps can lead some times to colon cancer or sever bleeding. Second, cancer often hides in polyps and it is not until they’re removed for biopsy that their true cancerous state can be determined.

Dr. Alshkaki believes that Total laparoscopic surgery Approach is the best option for patients in need of colon resection surgery. “Recovery from surgery is taxing enough,” says Dr. Alshkaki, “why expose yourself to such a significant risk of infection with open colon surgery? Or Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery?  Total Laparoscopic colon resection is the cleanest, least traumatizing surgical option.”

In addition to his practice at Infinity Surgical Associates, Dr. Giath Alshkaki is also Medical Director of The Center for Infinity Colorectal Health in the greater Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. area and leader of the GI lab at Inova Alexandria Hospital. Infinity Surgical Associates performs a wide range of minimally invasive surgeries including abdominal surgery, gallbladder surgery, advanced breast surgery and bariatric surgery In addition to Upper Esophago Gastroscopies and Routine screening colonoscopies.