It is a surgery to remove all or part of the large intestine. This large bowel surgery in Delhi is also called colectomy. The large intestine is also called the colon.
- The removal of the entire colon and rectum is called a proctocolectomy.
- The removal of the entire colon, but not the rectum, is called subtotal colectomy.
- The removal of part of the colon, but not the rectum, is called a partial colectomy.
The large intestine connects the small intestine with the anus. Normally, stool passes through the large intestine before leaving the body through the anus.
Description
You will receive general anesthesia at the time of surgery. This will keep you asleep and pain-free. The surgery can be performed laparoscopically or with open surgery. Depending on which surgery you have, the surgeon will make one or more cuts (incisions) in the abdomen. If you have laparoscopic surgery:
- The laparoscopic surgeon in Delhi makes 3 to 5 small cuts (incisions) in your abdomen. A medical device called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the cuts. This device is a thin and illuminated tube with a camera at the end. This allows the surgeon to see inside the abdomen. Other medical instruments are introduced through the other cuts.
- It is also possible that a cut of approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) be made if the surgeon needs to insert the hand into the abdomen to palpate the intestine or remove the affected segment.
- Your abdomen is filled with a harmless gas to expand it. This facilitates visualization and works in the area.
- The surgeon examines the organs of your abdomen to see if there is a problem.
- The affected part of the large intestine is located and removed. Some lymph nodes may also be removed.
If you had an open surgery:
- The surgeon makes a cut of 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters) in the lower part of your abdomen.
- Your abdomen organs are examined to see if there is a problem.
- The affected part of the large intestine is located and removed. Some lymph nodes may also
be removed.
In both types of surgery, the following steps are:
- If enough healthy large intestine remains, the ends are sutured or stapled. This is called anastomosis. This is done to most patients.
- If there is not enough healthy large intestine to reconnect, the surgeon makes an opening called a stoma through the skin of your abdomen. The colon is fixed to the outer wall of your abdomen. The stool will pass through the stoma into a drainage bag that is outside your body. This is called a colostomy. The colostomy can be short term or permanent.
The colectomy usually takes between 1 and 4 hours. Why the procedure is performed Resection of the large intestine is used to treat many conditions, including:
- A blockage in the intestine due to scar tissue
- Colon cancer
- Diverticular disease (large intestine disease)
Other reasons for a bowel resection are:
- Familial polyposis (polyps are growths in the lining of the colon or rectum)
- Lesions that cause damage to the large intestine.
- Intussusception (when one part of the intestine is inserted into another).
- Precancerous polyps
- Intense gastrointestinal bleeding
- Twisting of the intestine (volvulus).
- Ulcerative Colitis.
- Bleeding from the large intestine
- Deficit in nerve function of the large intestine
Risks
The risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are:
- Drug reactions
- Respiratory problems
- Blood clots, bleeding, infection
The risks of this surgery are:
- Bleeding into the abdomen
- Tissue protrusion through the incision called surgical hernia.
- Damage to nearby organs in the body.
- Damage to the ureter or bladder.
- Problems with the colostomy.
- Scar tissue that forms in the abdomen and causes blockage in the intestines.
- The edges of the intestine that are sutured open (anastomotic filtration that is life-threatening).
- Wound opening
- Wound infection.
- Peritonitis
Before the procedure
Always tell your surgeon or nurse what medications you are taking, including drugs, supplements or herbs that you have bought without a prescription. Talk to your laparoscopic surgeon in Delhi about how the surgery will affect the following aspects:
- Intimacy and sexuality
- Pregnancy
- sports
- Job
During the 2 weeks before surgery:
- You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners. These include acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin ), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and others.
- Ask your surgeon what drugs you should take even the day of surgery.
- If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking increases the risk of problems such as a slow recovery. Ask the doctor or nurse to help you leave.
- Tell the surgeon immediately if you have a cold, flu, fever, herpes outbreak or another illness before surgery.
- You may be asked to undergo an intestinal preparation to remove all feces from your intestines. This may involve eating a liquid diet for a few days and using laxatives.
The day before surgery:
- You may be asked to drink only clear liquids such as broth, clear juice and water.
- Follow the instructions on when to stop eating and drinking On the day of surgery:
- Take the medications that your surgeon indicated with a small sip of water.
- Arrive at the hospital on time.
After the procedure
You will be in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. You may have to stay longer if the colectomy was an emergency operation.
You may also need to stay longer if a large amount of your large intestine was removed or if you have problems.
By the second or third day, you can probably drink clear liquids. Slowly, thicker liquids will be added and then soft foods as your intestines start working again. After you go home, follow the instructions on how to take care of yourself while recovering.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most people who undergo resection of the large intestine recover completely. Even if you have a colostomy, most can do the activities you were doing before the operation. This includes most sports, travel, gardening, hiking, other outdoor activities and most types of work. If you have a prolonged (chronic) disease, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need ongoing medical treatment.