About 80% of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer undergo resection, usually through open surgery and conventional recovery. Many of our patients now benefit from the fact that this conventional approach has been challenged by the introduction of laparoscopic surgery and the Enhanced Recovery Programme (ERP) in order to reduce both morbidity and hospital stay. 

Find out how patients have found the experience of laparoscopic colorectal surgery by reading the patient testimonies.  Hear Us on the Radio!  Radio 4 Case Notes Featured YDH during April in a programme looking at bowel cancer.  To hear the feature use the listen-again option on the Case Notes website.

The ERP combines a number of key features in an integrated pathway. Major differences between ERP and standard care are the provision of extensive co-operation and teamwork to optimise patient condition, education, nutrition, pain control and early mobilisation. Operative stress is also reduced by the laparoscopic technique.

Yeovil began applying ERP in 2002 in conjunction with a laparoscopic approach for managing colorectal cancer. Today, there is a well established team comprising surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre practitioners, dietitians, pain control nurses, colorectal and stoma therapists, physiotherapists and a programme facilitator.

YDH has also been named as one of a handful of centres in England who will help lead the way in providing training for the country’s keyhole surgeons for patients with bowel cancer. The South West Laparoscopic Colorectal Consortium (SWLCC) will be managed at YDH and includes surgeons from across the region.

Our colorectal consultants are introduced in the page - Colorectal Team.