Colectomy
ColectomyArticle SectionsDefinitionColectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of your colon. Your colon, also called your large intestine, is a long tube-like organ at the end of your digestive system. Colectomy may be necessary to treat or prevent diseases and conditions that affect your colon. There are various types of colectomy operations. Colectomy that involves removing the entire colon is called total colectomy. Colectomy to remove part of the colon may be called subtotal colectomy or partial colectomy. Removing the right or left portion of the colon is called hemicolectomy. Surgery to remove both the colon and rectum is called proctocolectomy. Colectomy surgery usually requires other procedures to reattach the remaining portions of your digestive system and permit waste to leave your body. Partial colectomyDuring a partial colectomy, your surgeon removes the diseased portion of your colon and a small portion of surrounding healthy tissue. Then the surgeon joins the cut ends of the colon. ...  Why it's doneColectomy is used to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as:
Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. In some situations, you may have a choice between various types of colectomy operations. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of each. Colon and rectumThe colon, also called the large intestine, is a long, tube-like organ in your abdomen. The colon carries waste to be expelled from the body. The rectum makes up the last several inches of the colon. ...  RisksColectomy carries a risk of serious complications. Your risk of complications is based on your general health, the type of colectomy you undergo and the approach your surgeon uses to perform the operation. In general, complications of colectomy can include:
You'll spend time in the hospital after your colectomy to allow your digestive system to heal. Your health care team will also monitor you for signs of complications from your surgery. You may spend a few days to a week in the hospital, depending on your situation. How you prepareDuring the days leading up to your colon surgery, your doctor may ask that you:
Preparing for colectomy isn't always possible. For instance, if you need an emergency colectomy due to bowel obstruction or bowel perforation, there may not be time to prepare.
Plan for your hospital stay Think ahead to what you might like to have with you while you're recovering in the hospital. Things you might pack include:
What you can expect
During your colectomy You're then taken to an operating room and positioned on a table. You'll be given a general anesthesia medication to put you in a sleep-like state so that you won't be aware during your operation. The surgical team then proceeds with your colectomy. Colon surgery may be performed in two ways:
The type of operation you undergo depends on your situation and your surgeon's expertise. Laparoscopic colectomy may reduce the pain and recovery time after surgery. But not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Also, in some situations your operation may begin as a laparoscopic colectomy, but circumstances may force your surgical team to convert to an open colectomy. Once the colon has been repaired or removed, your surgeon will reconnect your digestive system to allow your body to expel waste. Options may include:
Your surgeon will discuss your options with you before your operation.
After your colectomy You'll stay in the hospital until you regain bowel function. This may take a couple of days to a week. You may not be able to eat solid foods at first. You might receive liquid nutrition through a vein in your arm and then transition to drinking clear liquids. As your intestines recover, you can eventually add solid foods. If your surgery involved a colostomy or ileostomy to attach your intestine to the outside of your abdomen, you'll meet with an ostomy nurse who will show you how to care for your stoma. The nurse will explain how to change the ostomy bag that will collect waste. Once you leave the hospital, expect a couple of weeks of recovery at home. You may feel weak at first, but eventually your strength will return. Ask your doctor when you can expect to get back to your normal routine. Partial colectomyDuring a partial colectomy, your surgeon removes the diseased portion of your colon and a small portion of surrounding healthy tissue. Then the surgeon joins the cut ends of the colon. ... Right hemicolectomyA colectomy procedure to remove one side of the colon is called hemicolectomy. A right hemicolectomy, as shown here, involves removing the right side of the colon and attaching the small intestine to ...  Left hemicolectomyA colectomy procedure to remove one side of the colon is called hemicolectomy. A left hemicolectomy, as shown here, involves removing the left side of the colon and attaching the remaining parts of ...  ColostomyIn some cases, after the surgeon removes a portion of the colon, it may be necessary to attach the remaining colon to the outside of the body in a procedure called colostomy. Creating a hole (stoma) ...  Ileoanal anastomosisAfter proctocolectomy to remove your colon and your rectum, your surgeon may connect your small intestine to your anus (ileoanal anastomosis). This allows you to expel waste normally, though you'll ...  RelatedLast Updated: 2010-08-20 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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