Colectomy

Colectomy involves removing part of the colon depending on the disease.

There are different types of colectomies, namely:

- Hemi-colectomy (removing the left or right side of the colon or large intestine)
- Lower anterior resection (removing the lower part of the large intestine with the rectum)
- Total colectomy (removing the whole colon or large intestine)

Indications:

Diverticular disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
A stricture/narrowing causing blockage of the intestines
Cancer

Procedure:

The affected part of the bowel is cut out and an anastomosis will be performed (the remaining healthy ends of the bowel sewn or stapled together). The amount of bowel removed varies, depending on the reason for the operation. This procedure can be performed using one of two approaches, namely, laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) or open by performing an incision in the abdominal wall in the midline from above the belly button down to just above the pelvic bone.

Possible complications:

Bleeding – intra-operatively and/or post operatively.
Leakage of bowel content – due to damage or breakdown of tissue at the area where the bowel was joined. This occurs in less than 5-10% of patients. This complication can potentially be life-threatening and will most likely require another operation.
Infection – can occur in the wound(s), lungs, drip site or internally where the bowel was removed.
Deep vein thrombosis – blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs, can occur with any surgery.
Damage to surrounding structures – nearby structures, like the small intestine can be inadvertently injured despite meticulous and careful operating techniques.

Duration:

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