For most of the operations performed on the colon and rectum require 3-5 small incisions. These incisions will allow the surgical instruments to go through the abdominal wall towards the area of interest. Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen to give the surgeon some flexibility and room to work. The surgeon uses a laparoscope (a small camera attached to a thin metal telescope) to have a magnified view of the inside of the abdomen by connecting it to operating room monitors. For some operations, one slightly larger incision (about 2-3 inches in length) must be made to remove specimen (tissues or parts of organs) from the abdomen, only when necessary.