|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

What is a Colectomy?

A colectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of your colon---that is, your large intestine. This is often performed to prevent damage to your colon by disease or other conditions.

  1. Necessity

    • Some common reasons for the need for a colectomy are bowel obstruction or perforation, colon cancer or Crohn's disease.

    Risks

    • As with any surgery, certain risks are associated with colectomy procedures. Serious complications may arise, such as infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs and bladder injury.

    Tests

    • While awaiting surgery, various tests and procedures may be performed to help monitor your health, such as blood tests and chest x-rays.

    Procedure

    • Depending on how much of the colon is removed, the surgery will be performed using one long, or several small incisions in the abdomen. The surgical instruments will be inserted into these incisions, and the surgeon maneuvers them from the outside to remove the desired part of the colon.

    Recovery

    • After the surgery, keep your incision areas clean and bandaged to help prevent infection. You may be given medications such as antibiotics or pain relievers to aid in healing.

    Warnings

    • Call your doctor immediately if severe abdominal pain develops, you exhibit signs of infection or have a high temperature.

Surgeries - Related Articles