Acolectomyis a jot down of surgery that removes part or all of the colon.
Thecolonis part of the large intestine that connects the small intestine to the rectum.
The colon is removed either in whole or in part to treat or prevent a disease or condition.
HRAUN / Getty Images
HRAUN / Getty Images
Is Colectomy a Major Surgery?
Many variables affect how a colectomy is performed and how much recovery time is needed.
Hemicolectomy
Ahemicolectomyis when the colon’s left or right side is removed.
A left hemicolectomy removes thedescending colon(located on the left side of the abdomen).
This jot down of colectomy might be done most commonly for colon cancer.
However, either part or all of therectumis left intact.
The outcome of this surgery could take one of a few forms.
The stoma is where stool exits the body.
An appliance is worn over it and emptied as needed.
With this surgery, a permanent ileostomy will also need to be placed.
One common reason for a colectomy is to treat IBD.
In ulcerative colitis, a total colectomy is always used.
Diverticular disease is another reason for colectomy surgery.
Inflamed diverticula (outpouchings of the colon) causediverticulitis.
In most cases, it can be treated without surgery.
When surgery is used, the affected section of the colon is removed.
It is usually treated medically in the hospital.
In that instance, those sections of the colon would be removed with a partial or a hemicolectomy.
If there are complications, a total colectomy with an ileostomy might be necessary.
Colon cancer is another reason that a colectomy may be needed.
In most cases, only the section of the colon that is affected by colon cancer is removed.
Preparing for Colectomy Surgery: What Happens Before?
Several things must be done before colectomy surgery.
The surgical team will give instructions on what tests and preparations are needed before the procedure.
Lung X-rays and other tests may also be done to ensure there are no problems with breathing.
Medications
Some medications may need to be stopped in the days before surgery.
This includes any drugs that could increase the risk of bleeding or infection after surgery.
Preoperative Counseling
The surgical team will be available to answer questions about the surgery.
If there will be an ileostomy placed, you will meet with anenterostomal therapy (ET) nurse.
Preparation may take place in the day or two before surgery.
What Happens on the Day of Your Colectomy?
It’s important to bring a photo ID and your insurance information.
The hospital staff will provide several forms for you to review and sign.
You will change into a surgical gown and be prepped for surgery.
An intravenous (IV) line will be placed for the administration of fluids as well as medications.
Some medications may be given before going into the operating room.
Your temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate will all be taken.
What Happens During a Colectomy Procedure?
You will be under general anesthesia for a colectomy and will be asleep the entire time.
The surgery may be done laparoscopically or with an open incision.
The surgery will take several hours, potentially four or more.
Recovery in the hospital will take place over several days.
Laparoscopic Surgery
When possible,laparoscopicsurgery (considered minimally invasive surgery) will be used.
Several small incisions are made in the abdomen.
Specialized tools are passed through those incisions to complete the procedure.
The surgeon will use surgical tools to cut sections of the colon or the entire colon for removal.
Healthy colon tissue will be attached back together, called ananastomosis.
Or, a stoma will be created for a colostomy or an ileostomy.
Open Surgery
In open surgery, one large incision will be created in the abdomen.
The surgeon will complete the colectomy through this incision.
The incision will be closed up after the surgery.
Procedure Types
There are many different types of colectomy procedures.
In some cases, an ostomy may be needed temporarily.
The ostomy could be reversed later.
In others, acolostomyorileostomyis placed.
The surgeon can tell you which jot down of procedure you will have.
Sometimes, this plan must change or be adjusted during the surgery.
Here is some of the terminology that may be used:
When Is a Stoma Necessary?
In colon cancer, a permanent stoma isn’t usually required.
What Are the Risks of Colectomy?
As with any pop in of surgery, there is the potential forcomplicationswith colectomy surgery.
One serious complication is bleeding.
It is not a common occurrence, but bleeding has the potential to be serious.
Another potential complication during surgery is damage to surrounding organs and tissue.
If this damage is found during the surgery, another procedure will be used to repair it.
For a leak at the anastomosis site, more surgery may be needed to repair it.
In some cases, a temporary ostomy may be used to allow the bowel to heal.
To avoidinfections, antibiotics might be given before or during surgery.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
A colectomy is a major surgery.Recoverymay take up to six weeks.
You will also be shown how to care for incisions, especially when they are left open to heal.
Those incisions will need to be packed with gauze and changed regularly.
Diet may initially consist ofliquidsand then move to solids as the bowel returns to normal functioning.
You will be given directions on diet when you return home.
The goal is to return to a regular, healthful diet as soon as possible.
Pain managementin the hospital may be given intravenously.
Whats the Long-Term Outlook After a Colectomy?
Most people recover well from the surgery itself and won’t experience any complications.
Some conditions may require more treatment after surgery.
For example, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis will need to be managed even after surgery.
Surgery for colon cancer may be followed byradiationand/orchemotherapy.
It will require a stay of several days in the hospital and then several weeks of recovery at home.
Most people recover and return to work or school several weeks after the surgery.
However, some people may need ongoing monitoring and care for any underlying conditions.
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