Colectomy – open surgery – Removal of the colon

Description removal of the colon

The operation is performed, to remove all or part of the large intestine kishki.Tolstaya – it is the lower part of the intestine.

In partial colectomy, remove only part of the colon. With a total colectomy entire colon removed.

Reasons for removal of the colon

Colectomy may be performed to treat a variety of diseases, including the following::

• Kolorektalynыy cancer;
• Inflammatory bowel disease (eg, colitis, Crohn's disease);
• Intestinal blockage;
• Bowel injury;
• Diverticulitis;
• Precancerous Polyps, especially when the family polyposis;
• The hole in the intestinal wall, or a dead part of the intestine;
• Bleeding from the rectum.

Possible complications in removing the colon

Before, how to perform the removal of the colon, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Damage to other organs or structures;
• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Formation Hernia at the incision site;
• Blood clots;
• Complications from general anesthesia.

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications include:

• The presence of neurological diseases, heart disease, light;
• Age: senior 70 years;
• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Previous abdominal surgery;
• Active infection.

How is the removal of the colon?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure the doctor, probably, appoint the following tests:

• Medical checkup;
• Blood tests;
• Ultrasonography of the abdomen – test, which uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the abdominal cavity;
• Barium study – X-rays of the abdomen after administration of barium and / or receiving barium enema;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – type of X-ray, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the body;
• MRI scan – test, which uses magnetic waves, to take pictures inside the body;
• Colonoscopy and biopsy – visual inspection and selection of tissues of the colon using a flexible tube with a camera on the end.

In the run-up to the procedure:

• The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medicines a week before the procedure,:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood-thinning drugs, such as clopidogrel or warfarin;
• It is necessary to drink, at least, eight glasses of water daily;
• It is necessary to follow a special diet, if recommended by your doctor;
• The patient can give a laxative, and other medicines, to help clean the intestines;
• If prescribed by a doctor, you need to take antibiotics;
• Maybe, you need to take a shower the night before the procedure, using antibacterial soap;
• We need to organize a trip to the hospital and back after surgery, as well as help at home after the procedure;
• The night before, you can eat a light meal or drink clear liquids. Do not eat or drink after midnight, unless otherwise noted physician;
• It is necessary to wear comfortable clothes.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient will sleep.

Procedure removal of the colon

The surgeon makes one, long incision in the abdominal cavity. Then he removes part of the colon through the incision. As part of the intestine is removed, colon on either side of the deleted partition will be sewn together.

After removal of the colon are to be formed colostomy or ileostomy. The doctor will make a small hole, called a stoma, in front of the abdominal wall. The open end of the intestine will be attached to the stoma. The stoma can be temporary or permanent. This part of the procedure can be done, if the intestines need time, to recover.

The surgeon will close the muscles and skin of the abdomen stitches or surgical staples. On the cut imposed sterile dressing.

Immediately after removal of the colon

Removing a portion of the intestine will be sent to a lab for examination. The patient was sent to the recovery room and monitored vital parameters.

How long will the removal of the colon

About 1 – 4 hours or more

Will it hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. The pain usually occurs when recovering. In this case, the doctor will prescribe pain medication.

The average hospital stay

This procedure is performed in a hospital. Usually the duration of stay of 5-6 days. The doctor can extend the stay, If there are complications.

Care of the patient after removal of the colon

Care in a hospital

• If you have a colostomy or ileostomy is formed, from outside the body will be attached bag, in which the waste will be collected. During the first few days after surgery, the patient is on a special diet;
• To prevent the formation of blood clots is prescribed to wear boots or special socks;
• The patient should practice deep breathing, to help normalize the lungs.

Home Care

After the procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

If you have a colostomy:

• The nurse teaches the patient, how to care for the stoma;
• The patient will go from transparent liquid food, on a soft,, low protein diet. Approximately 6-8 Weeks can go to a normal diet;
• Do not use laxatives, because the stool at the exit of the liquid is too colostomy;
• It is necessary to drink, at least eight glasses of fluid every day;
• We need to ask your doctor about, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water.

Contact your doctor after removal of the colon

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the incision;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Joint pain, fatigue, constraint, rash or other symptoms;
• The feeling of weakness or dizziness;
• Pain and swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Bloody or black stools;
• Diarrhea;
• The absence of the chair in a bag colostomy;
• Severe abdominal pain;
• Bleeding from the stoma.