Pronounced: ko-LEK-tuh-mee—oh-pen suhr-gur-REE
This is an operation to remove all or part of the colon. The colon, or large intestine, is the lower part of the intestines.
In a partial colectomy, only part of your colon is removed. In a total colectomy, all of your colon is removed.
A colectomy may be performed to treat a variety of conditions, including the following:
If you are planning to have a colectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
You will receive general anesthesia for the surgery. You will be asleep.
The surgeon will make a single, long incision in the abdomen. She will remove the section of colon through the incision. When possible, the colon on either side of the removed section will be sewn together.
In a total colectomy, a colostomy or ileostomy will need to be formed. This will create a path for waste to leave your body. Your doctor will make a small opening, called a stoma, in the front of your abdominal wall. The open end of your intestine will be attached at the stoma. The stoma may be either temporary or permanent. This part of the procedure may also be done if your intestine needs time to heal and rest.
The surgeon will close the muscles and skin of the abdomen with stitches or staples. A sterile dressing will be placed over the incision areas.
The removed tissue will be sent to a lab for examination. You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored.
About 1- 4 hours or more
Anesthesia is given to prevent pain during the surgery. Pain is common during recovery. You will receive medicine to help manage pain.
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 5-6 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer, however, if complications arise.
After your procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
If you have a colostomy:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
http://www.fascrs.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy
http://www.caet.ca/
Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada
http://www.colorectal-cancer.ca/
References:
Alves A, Panis Y, Mathieu P, et al. Postoperative mortality and morbidity in French patients undergoing colorectal surgery: results of a prospective multicenter study. Archives of Surgery. 2005;140:278-283.
A patient guide to colostomy care. Northwestern Memorial Hospital website. Available at: http://www.nmh.org/nmh/patientinformation/patientguidecolostomycare.htm. Accessed July 16, 2008.
Dictionary of cancer terms. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/. Accessed July 16, 2008.
Feo CV, Zerbinati A, Giacometti M, et al. The ideal length of hospital stay in the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer. Ann Ital Chir. 2002;73:13-16.
Perioperative management. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=127 . Accessed September 24, 2005.
What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease? National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/#treat. Accessed July 16, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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