Colectomy is a surgery done to remove the colon (large intestine). During the surgery, either a part of the colon or the entire colon is removed. The removed part of the colon can be diseased or, the.....
Colectomy is a surgery done to remove the colon (large intestine). During the surgery, either a part of the colon or the entire colon is removed. The removed part of the colon can be diseased or, the patient might be suffering from colon cancer.
-
Steps to take before the surgery
The patient has to inform the doctors beforehand about the prescribed medicines he/she has been taking. The patient is required to eat light, from a few days before the surgery. The bowel needs to be empty, so the doctor will advise to drink plenty of fluids. To minimise the risk of infection, antibiotics are also given before the surgery.
-
What happens during the procedure?
There are two approaches used for the surgery. In an open colectomy, a surgical cut is made in the stomach, to reach the colon. Surgical instruments are then used to release the colon. This is primarily done through a surgical cut, after freeing the colon from surrounding tissues. Under laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, the patient only requires small surgical incisions. Through one of the surgical holes, a lap ( an instrument with a camera) is inserted into the body. The surgeon is able to view the colon on a screen through the help of the camera. In this process, the nearby lymph nodes are also removed in the surgery. The rest of the parts of the colon are then surgically stitched.
-
After the procedure
If your surgery is done using a laparoscope, then you are likely to experience less pain. You will be discharged from the hospital in 2-3 days. Under open surgery, your hospital stay may be extended to 10 days. The diet will slowly advance. A patient can resume normal routine approximately within a month. The surgeon will clear all your doubts.
The treatment has revolutionised the world of medical procedures, but as any other surgical treatment, it also has a few risks associated with it.
The advantages of Segmental Colectomy treatment are:
It only removes the diseased or damaged portion of your intestine. It is a useful treatment, and the lap procedure is painless too.
The risks associated with Segmental Colectomy are:
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Blood clots.
- Internal bleeding.
- Infection.
- Hernia.
Formation of scar tissues, a leakage where the intestines are sewn together, and damages nearby organs.
