CLEVELAND -- Surgery to remove colon cancer used to be an invasive surgery with a long recovery period.

But as NewsChannel5's Alicia Booth reported, a new procedure is making getting rid of colon cancer a much easier process.

The old-fashioned surgery for colon cancer used to be very invasive, and included a long incision all the way up the abdomen. This procedure was painful and required a long time for recovery.

Dr. Ray Onders, of University Hospitals, is a surgeon who pioneered a minimally invasive surgery. He initially used it to help actor Christopher Reeves breathe on his own, and now uses it to remove colon cancer in some of his patients.

The procedure, called laparoscopy, uses a tiny camera and a much smaller incision.

Colon cancer patient Ann Kroehle had the laparoscopy, and says the less-invasive procedure allowed her to go back to work as a home-based travel agent in just a few days -- instead of the weeks it might have taken with an invasive surgery.

Doctors are now learning that laparoscopy can help patients fight cancer after the surgery

"They feel better, and there is something … if you feel better, you're actually going to stay healthier and that's probably going to help in this type of surgery," said Onders.

The ability to fight off cancer cells appears to improve through this procedure.

Also, because of the smaller incision, the surgery and recovery time is much less painful for the patient.

If you want more information about laparoscopic surgery, or colon cancer in general, call University Hospitals at (800) 641-2422.

UH will send you a free CD with information when you call.

For more information on colon cancer, click here.