Minimally Invasive Surgery

Overview

Capitol Colorectal Surgery is the only sub-specialty practice in mid-Michigan that regularly performs minimally invasive surgery for diseases of the colon and rectum. Our practice uses up to date minimally invasive techniques including robotic and laparoscopic approaches.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

  • Small incisions, few incisions, or no incision
  • Less pain
  • Low risk of infection
  • Short hospital stay
  • Quick recovery time
  • Less scarring
  • Reduced blood loss

Common Minimally Invasive Procedures

Robotic Colon Surgery

In robotic procedures, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions. Capitol Colorectal Surgery utilizes the da Vinci robotic system to perform robotic surgery. The da Vinci system features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. As a result, da Vinci enables your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.

Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

In laparoscopic colon resection surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia. 3-6 small incisions are made in the abdomen. One is used for the laparoscope which is attached to a camera that sends images to a video monitor. The other incisions are used to insert instruments to hold or manipulate tissue in the abdomen.

Robotic Transanal Surgery

Robotic Transanal Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to operate on problems in the mid and upper rectum without having to make an incision through the abdomen. The instruments are specially designed so that the procedure can be performed through the anus and in the rectum. This procedure is commonly used to remove small tumors and polyps in the rectum.

ASCRS: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Mayo Clinic: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Johns Hopkins: Minimally Invasive Surgery

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Digestive Health Institute | Gastroenterology
Excellent
4.7
Based on 2388 reviews
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PA, Jon Thelen was excellent
The receptionist was very nice and helped document my issues for Callie Hart and made an appointment for me. My meeting with Callie was excellent listening to my history and developing a plan and followup for my chronic problem. Callie was a big help discussing my suggested alternative options I posed to her and one option worked for me Thank God. I appreciate Callie being on my care team. She is very competent and caring. Callie Hart is simply the best.
The Dr. took her time and answered all my questions. She was great!
I was checked in within a few minutes of my scheduled appt. and then my vitals were checked, med list, and blood pressure. Very nice young woman. Then I saw the PA and she followed up on the last time I had seen her with the pain in the left side and the report of the X-ray which she shared with me. She scheduled a follow up and provided a new Rx. I have samples, if they work then I am to call and let her know and she will the new Rx. That is about it!
Staff are very polite, courteous and professional. Dr. Scott Plaehn is the best gastro dr. ever!
Enjoyed a thorough annual visit. My PA took the necessary time to allow me to ask questions and gave thoughtful responses and assurances regarding my prescription inquiries.
I did not have a long wait in the waiting room. Staff was friendly and professional. Dr Yusuf was very patient and non-judgmental. He answered all of my questions without trying to rush me like some doctors.
Saw P.A. Scott and, as usual, he was professional and so very knowledgeable. He's comfortable with discussions, honest, and the very best P.A., ever!!!!
Everyone very friendly. Dr LeeAllen very caring and takes time with you never rushes and answers all your questions
Very short wait time, both initially and in exam room. All people were extremely thoughtful and professional.
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Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

Our Locations

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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