The decision to perform the open colon surgical procedure is made solely at the discretion of Doctor Botha either before or during the actual surgery. When Doctor Botha feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety. The indications, risks and complications of open surgery are similar to that of a Laparoscopic Colectomy.