Removal of Large Intestine

The large intestine is responsible for processing food into body waste. Approximately 5 feet long, the large intestine is composed of four parts: the caecum, appendix, colon and rectum. Due to medical conditions, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the large intestine.

Types

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the removal of the entire large intestine is called a total colectomy. A subtotal or partial colectomy is performed when only part of the large intestine is removed. Removal of the left or right section of the colon is a hemicolectomy, and removal of the colon and rectum is called a proctocolectomy.

Causes

• Reasons for large intestine removal include excessive bleeding of the colon, bowel obstruction, a torn colon, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. The large intestine may be removed as a preventative measure for colon cancer.

Risks

• The risks of large intestine removal can be serious, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications include bleeding, blood clots in the legs or lungs, infection, injury to organs near the colon and torn sutures reconnecting the remaining portions of the digestive system.

Results

• With large intestine removal, the remaining portions may be joined together and stool will leave the body normally. In other cases, the remaining intestine may be connected to an opening in the stomach, which requires a colostomy bag to be worn outside the body to collect stool.