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The Types of Resection

The final portion of your digestive tract is known as your colon (large intestine). This smoothly lined tube is the portion of the bowel which absorbs water and stores food waste. When a problem such as a tumor arises in the rectum or colon, it may become necessary to remove it. This can involve the tumor, as well as a portion of the rectum or colon located near the tumor. This procedure is known as a resection and several types are commonly performed.

  1. Left Hemicolectomy

    • When one side of a colon is removed through surgical procedure (colectomy) this is known as a hemicolectomy. A left hemicolectomy involves removal of all or a portion of the descending colon (left side). The rectum and transverse colon are then rejoined.

    Right Hemicolectomy

    • When the right section of the colon is diseased and an upper portion of the bowel needs to be removed surgery is often necessary. A right hemicolectomy is the most common patient procedure. Under general anesthesia a cut (an average of 10 inches) is made to the right section of the colon and the lower portion of the bowel is released so the damaged bowel area can be removed. The small intestine is then attached to the remaining section of the colon and sealed.

    Sigmoid Colectomy

    • Sigmoid colectomy surgery involves removal of the left side of the colon. Performed under a general anesthetic, this procedure requires an approximately 15 inch long abdominal incision and releasing of the colon loop from the patient's stomach and upper portion of the rectum. This allows for removal of the diseased portion of the colon. The ends are then reattached if possible.

    Low Anterior Resection

    • Low Anterior Resection surgery, also known as LAR, is a procedure to treat the rectum in patients that have suffered from cancer or similar illnesses. This procedure is common in patients who have found an average of two-thirds of their rectum affected by cancer. During surgery, cancerous tumors are removed carefully sans causing damage to the anus. Waste is able to depart the body in the usual manner once the colon is attached to the anus.

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