GEORGE S. FERZLI, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Until Always: Freedom, passion, integrity and the constant quest for innovation.
This web site is dedicated to the memory of my father Salem.

Dr. Ferzli's Procedures

Specializing in Minimally-Invasive Surgery

Colon Surgery

A variety of diseases of the small and large bowel, including cancer, require surgical intervention. Traditional methods of surgery require painful and extended periods of recuperation because of long incisions through the various layers of tissue and muscle of the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopic surgery on the bowel allows for exploration of the abdomen and removal of diseased segments of bowel without making a large and painful incision. Patients recover more quickly and with less pain than with traditional “open” surgery without compromising the ability to treat and cure disease.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large bowel. Colon cancer usually requires removal of the diseased segment of colon and removal of the blood vessels and the lymph nodes associated with that segment of bowel. In most cases the bowel can be reconnected at the same time that the diseased segment is removed. This surgery can be performed laparoscopically without compromising the quality of the surgery or the ability to cure the disease.

Diverticulosis is a disease of the colon that results in areas of weakness in the wall of the colon. These areas of weakness can balloon to form a series of outpouchings or diverticula. Diverticula can bleed or can become infected leading to perforation of the bowel and severe illness. This is known as diverticulitis. Now, diverticular disease can often be treated with laparoscopic removal of the diseased colon. Usually the colon is re-connected at the same surgery.

Appendicitis is a severe infection of the appendix (a small tubular organ that sits at the beginning of the large bowel). Appendicitis causes pain, fever and, sometimes, life-threatening perforation of the bowel. In cases of appendicitis, the appendix can be removed using only three small laparoscopic ports.

An appendectomy might also be necessary for appendiceal tumor.

For further information, you can ask Dr. Ferzli.

Colon