There are many different types of colon surgery, including:
Partial colectomy – part of your bowel is removed.
Hemi colectomy – approximately half your colon is removed (left or right).
Subtotal colectomy – most of your colon is removed.
Total colectomy – your entire colon is removed, except for your rectum and anus.
Proctocolectomy – your colon and rectum are removed.
Abdomino-perineal resection – part of your left colon is removed, and your rectum and anus.
The complexity of your surgery will depend on the site of the tumour or damage to your colon. The usual approach is for the surgeon to make an incision up to 40cm long down the centre of your abdomen.
The procedure involves removing the damaged part of your colon and then reconnecting the healthy parts of your colon. The surgeon will often decide how much colon to remove during your surgery.
Sometimes your surgeon will create a stoma by bringing either the end of the bowel or a loop of healthy bowel to the surface of your abdomen. This is usually, but not always, temporary.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.