Colectomy Surgery in Delhi, India

A colectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove all of the colon or large intestine or a part of it. Your large intestine is the organ that carries the undigested food from the small intestine to the rectum, which facilitates its expulsion from the body. Your physician may recommend a colectomy in case of

• Colon cancer
• Bowel obstructions or blockages
• Diverticulitis
• Infection or bleeding
• Crohn’s disease
• Precancerous polyps
• Prevention of the development of colon cancer in case of inherited genetic mutation
• Ulcerative colitis
• Volvulus (twisted intestines)
• Intussusception (folding of the intestine into itself).

Alternate Name of Colectomy Surgery

Bowel Resection

Body Location

Large Intestine

Colectomy Procedure Type

A colectomy can be performed in two ways:

Open surgical

It is a procedure where the entire abdominal area is opened up and explored by the surgeon, who then assesses and removes the affected part of your colon.

Laparoscopic Surgical

Laparoscopic surgical (camera assisted) is a non-invasive method whereby the surgeon makes a small incision, puts a camera through it, and uses the camera to guide surgical instruments inside the body and then remove affected areas of the colon.

Preparation for Colectomy Surgery

Before your colectomy, the doctor may ask you to

• Stop certain medications: Surgeons often recommend discontinuation of medicines that may cause complications during or after the surgery.
• Fast before the surgery: Like most surgeries, doctors recommend abstaining from food for at least several hours before the colectomy procedure.
• Drink a laxative: Since this procedure entails the removal of the bowels, doctors recommend drinking a laxative solution that clears the bowels of any undigested food remnants. You may experience diarrhoea after drinking the solution. The doctor may also suggest an enema.
• Take antibiotics: Your small and large intestines both house several bacterial strains that make up your body's natural flora. However, some of these bacteria can cause infection if the body’s immune system cannot fight them. To prevent any such postoperative infections, doctors recommend taking certain antibiotics.

Colectomy Surgery Procedure

A colectomy is done by removing a section of or the entire colon. The colon is part of the large intestine. The surgeon will remove the affected areas as required during surgery and remove another small part on either side of the cancer-affected area. They might also remove lymph nodes surrounding these areas. Following the removal, the rest of the bowel is joined together if enough healthy intestine remains.

If a total colectomy is required, the surgeon will remove the entire colon and connect the small intestine to an opening created in a procedure called “colostomy.” This will allow your body to pass the fecal matter out, which can be collected in a colostomy bag. This bag may be permanent or temporary. If the surgeon also has to remove your rectum, they will connect your small intestine directly to the anus, whereby no colostomy is performed.

This procedure is performed surgically, which may be open surgery, whereby the surgeon completely opens up your abdominal area to access the colon, or laparoscopically whereby the surgeon makes tiny cuts in the abdomen through which a camera is passed inside, which helps to guide them on the movement of the surgical tools in a minimally invasive manner.

Recovery After Colectomy Surgery

Depending on the extent of your surgery, your recovery may take longer. You will be asked to take care of your incisions and avoid taking certain medications to prevent postoperative infections. You will be advised by your doctor to regularly visit the hospital for follow-ups on how your body is healing after the surgery. You will be told to avoid strenuous activity and look for certain signs and symptoms.

Follow Up After Colectomy Surgery

You will be hospitalised for up to 5-7 days after the procedure. Since this involves major surgery, you might be in pain and will be recommended strong painkillers. Therefore, you will need someone to care for you and help with your daily tasks until you are better. The doctor will have you on a strict regimen to prevent postoperative complications. This involves taking any and all medications diligently.

You will be on a liquid diet for the initial few days and eventually be moved to a solid diet. You may also experience constipation due to bowel resection, which you might be able to treat by drinking more fluids or taking over-the-counter medications. Your doctor will guide you with a detailed follow-up after your procedure.

Risks Associated with Colectomy Surgery

As with every surgery, there are certain risks involved with a colectomy as well:

• Reaction to anaesthesia: Some people may be allergic to anaesthesia and may have a reaction characterised by wheezing, rashes, etc.
• Bleeding or blood clots: Excessive bleeding or clots are abnormal signs and may signal infection.
• Post-operative infections: Development of pus or reddened, inflamed area of incision may be a sign of infection.
• Colostomy malfunction: There may be leaking or infection of the colostomy site or bag.