- Procedure Time
1-4 hours - Overnight stay
3-4 nights - Anaesthesia
General - Recovery Time
6 weeks
What is Colectomy?
A colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a tumor, diseased or damaged colon.
It is a treatment option for people with colon and rectal cancer and may also involve removing nearby lymph nodes.
Colon cancer can start from polyps in the large intestine or inside the rectum. Screening methods such as colonoscopy can lead to early detection of these polyps, and early detection can lead to a full recovery.
However, if cancer cells grow and spread throughout the person's body, they "metastasize" and this creates a more serious condition.
What are the types of Colectomy?
Colectomy is the preferred treatment for early stage colon and rectum cancers.
There are several types of colectomy, including (this topic is explored in more detail below):
partial or subtotal colectomy
total colectomy
hemicolectomy
total proctocolectomy
What is Total Colectomy?
Total colectomy surgery is applied to patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer but who cannot get results from drug treatment. In total colectomy surgery, which is performed by opening the abdomen and removing the entire large intestine, the remaining digestive system organs are connected to each other for re-fusing. Bag closure is required for excretion.
What is Subtotal Colectomy?
In subtotal colectomy operations, only the problematic part of the intestine is removed. For this reason, it is not necessary to open the abdominal region by cutting it completely. Small incisions are made, allowing both camera monitoring and removal of problematic parts.
Colectomy Cases
Bowel Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction leading to inability to pass stool is a problem that requires immediate treatment. Colectomy is considered appropriate for intestinal obstruction that causes problems such as tension and bloating in the abdominal region, gas problem, feeling of fullness, diarrhea or constipation. As a result of the blockage, nothing is eaten or drunk for the first 48 hours. A hole is made in the abdomen and the intestines are taken into a different compartment. In addition to colectomy surgery, it is also treated by inserting a metal stent and removing pieces from the intestines.
Intestinal Perforation
As a result of the use of high doses of blood thinners, gallbladder inflammation, stomach ulcer, appendicitis, and stool leakage into the stomach, a hole may be opened in the intestine. Intestinal perforation, which causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in the stool, and shortness of breath, is detected by endoscopy, biopsy, barium sulfate test, and abdominal CT scan. In case of intestinal perforation, colectomy surgery is performed by preventing fluid loss.
Uncontrollable Bleeding
Colectomy is performed in case of uncontrolled blood coming from the stool as a result of damage to the pockets called diverticulum in the colon. With this surgery, which is necessary to remove the damaged part of the colon, the bleeding is stopped quickly and fatal consequences are prevented.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease, which affects the entire digestive system from the mouth to the anus, is the most common inflammatory bowel disease. This disease, which manifests itself with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and swelling, adversely affects the entire esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines. In addition to genetic factors, it occurs as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, overuse of antibiotics and birth control pills. If drug therapy is not effective, it is treated by performing the appropriate colectomy and ostomy surgeries.
Colon Cancer
In colon cancers diagnosed at an early stage, only a part of the intestine is removed, while in advanced stages, it may be necessary to remove the entire intestine. The main symptoms of colon cancer caused by polyps in the colon and rectum include iron deficiency, diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in the stool. Colectomy surgery is needed in the treatment of colon cancer triggered by ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
This disease, caused by ulcerative colitis and open sores in the large intestine, causes bloody stools. As a result of autoimmune (inability to distinguish the beneficial bacteria that provide the immune system), the patient's immune system weakens. First of all, treatment is started by using anti-inflammatory drugs. If the drugs are insufficient, biological therapy and colectomy surgery are performed.
Genetic Factors
As a result of the tests, taking into account the genetic factors, precautionary colectomy surgery is performed for people who are at risk of developing bowel cancer in the future. Removal of the intestine before the formation of cancer cells prevents the formation of cancer.
Preparation Before Colectomy Surgery
X-ray, EKG and blood analysis are performed to obtain information about the patient's condition in advance.
The treatment is decided by looking inside the colon with a small flexible and light camera.
Some medications, such as blood thinners, should be discontinued 1 week before the operation.
Eating and drinking is stopped 24 hours before the operation. Your doctor will inform you about what can be eaten.
A bowel cleansing solution or enema should be administered before the surgery.
If necessary, antibiotics can be used under the control of a doctor to prevent bacteria in the colon.
Taking a shower using an antibacterial soap prevents the risk of infection that may occur during surgery.
Since hospital treatment will be required for 3-4 days after the operation, it is necessary to prepare the clothes and other needs of the patient.