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Diseases of the Colon Following a Colonectomy for Colon Cancer

While the decision to obtain a colonectomy in the face of colon cancer is a foregone conclusion, you should still endeavor to learn as much as possible about the various risk factors associated with this procedure. In addition to complications during surgery, a colonectomy can increase your risk of developing certain conditions of the colon after it has been performed.

  1. Colonectomy

    • According to information from the Mayo Clinic, a colonectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or a portion of your large intestine, otherwise known as your colon. The extent to which cancer has developed will determine how large a section of bowel must be removed, with more expansive cases necessitating the unfortunate removal of all or most of the area.

    Bowel Obstruction

    • Bowel obstruction is one possible condition that can affect the colon following a colonectomy. According to the medical website Medline Plus, bowel obstruction occurs where there is a complete or partial interference with normal bowel movement. Symptoms include localized pain and cramping, along with vomiting or diarrhea. This condition might require corrective surgery to properly fix.

    Infection of the Colon

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, following a colonectomy the remaining portion of the colon is at a higher risk of developing an infection. Infections vary in severity, necessitating a proportionate response. That might include something as simple as correcting the problem with a course of antibiotics to something as extreme as necessitating additional surgery to ferret out the root of the problem.

    Intestinal Leakage

    • Improper suturing at the site of the intestinal reconnection can potentially result in the development of intestinal leakage. This is a condition where a portion of the contents of the intestine will escape and leak into the open area of the abdominal cavity. The likely result of developing this condition is the necessity of further surgery to correct the leakage and clean up the escaped substances.

    Hernia

    • A final complication that can occur following a colonectomy is the development of a hernia, where a portion of the intestine escapes through a hole in the wall of the abdominal muscles. Symptoms here include pain in the groin or a lump in the groin or thigh. Again, surgery will likely be required to correct the condition before it develops further.

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