Pronounced: ko-LEK-tuh-mee—La-PAH-rah-skah-pik suhr-gur-REE
This is a procedure 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 the colon is removed. In a total colectomy, all of the colon is removed.
A colectomy may be done to treat a variety of conditions, including:
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 . You will be asleep.
The doctor will make small incisions in the abdomen. She will then insert instruments through these incisions . The section of colon will then be removed through these small openings. The doctor may then sew together the two parts of the colon. In some cases, the doctor may need to switch to open surgery . This involves making a larger incision.
If all of your colon is removed, a colostomy or ileostomy will be done. This will create a path for waste to leave the body. The doctor will make a small opening, called a stoma, in the front of the abdominal wall. The open end of your intestine will be attached at the stoma. The stoma may be either temporary or permanent. This procedure may also be done if your intestine needs time to heal.
Stitches or staples will be used to close the area. A bandage will be placed over the incisions.
You will be taken to the recovery room.
1- 4 hours or more
You will have pain after the surgery. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.
The hospital stay is 5-6 days. You may need to stay longer if you have complications.
The hospital staff will:
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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