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Alternative names Return to top
Colon resection; Resection of part of large intestine; Colectomy; ProctocolectomyDefinition Return to top
Bowel resection is surgical removal (resection) of a diseased part of the large intestine (also called the bowel or colon).Description Return to top
In elective cases, the colon is cleaned before the surgery with enemas and medication.
Bowel resection is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the abdomen. The diseased part of the large intestine is removed and the two healthy ends are sewn back together (resected). The abdominal incision is closed. If the entire colon and rectum is removed, it is called a proctocolectomy.
A bowel resection may be performed as a traditional "open" procedure or as a mimimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
If it is necessary to spare the colon from its normal digestive work while it heals, a temporary opening of the colon through the abdominal wall (colostomy) may be created. The end of the healthy bowel tissue nearer to the small intestine is then passed through the abdominal wall, and the edges are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall. An adhesive drainage bag (stoma appliance) is placed around the opening.
In most cases, depending on the disease process being treated, the colostomy is temporary and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the colostomy may be permanent.
The large intestine absorbs a significant amount of water from digested food. When the colon is bypassed by a colostomy, the patient should expect loose or liquid stool (feces) from the colostomy. Careful skin care and a well-fitting colostomy bag are necessary to reduce skin irritation around the colostomy.
Indications Return to top
Large bowel (colon) resection is recommended for a variety of disease processes. The most common reasons include the following:
Other reasons to perform bowel resection include the following:
Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Additional risks include the following:
Some cases may result in the permanent need for a colostomy bag.
Expectations after surgery Return to top
The outcome depends on the disease. Most patients have a good outcome with relief of symptoms.Convalescence Return to top
Most patients will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery may take 2 months. During the first few days after surgery, eating is restricted.
Laparascopic bowel resection for colon cancer may result in a faster recovery time than traditional open surgery.
Update Date: 8/31/2004 Updated by: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/19/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |