University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is the leading West Midlands trust for performing laparoscopic (keyhole) colorectal surgery and was the first in the region to remove prostates and a bladder through laparoscopy. It is now steadily increasing the range of operations that can be performed in this way.

Laparoscopic or keyhole colorectal surgery involves performing operations using instruments introduced through small incisions in the abdomen. As well as the cosmetic benefit, this has been shown to reduce post-operative pain and the length of stay in hospital after major surgery.

It may not always be possible to offer keyhole surgery but you can discuss this with your surgeon.