Port placement left colectomy*

An open technique is used to enter the peritoneal cavity and place a 5 to 12 mm Hasson trocar at the umbilicus. The laparoscope is introduced through this port. Two ports are placed under direct vision in the lower abdomen and one or more 5 mm ports placed in the upper midline.
The surgeon and the assistant stand on the patient's right side. Either the suprapubic port or the right lower quadrant port can be used to introduce the surgical stapler for transection of the colon. The upper midline port is useful for mobilizing the splenic flexure. The resected colon can be removed through a mini-laparotomy at the umbilicus or through a small Pfannenstiel incision.