Colectomy is a medical procedure in which a section or the entire colon, also known as the large intestine, is surgically removed. The purpose of this procedure is to treat conditions or diseases that affect the colon, such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
During a colectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the colon and carefully removes the affected portion. The remaining healthy ends of the colon are then reconnected or redirected to an opening in the abdominal wall called a stoma, which allows waste to pass out of the body. In some cases, a temporary or permanent colostomy bag may be required to collect the waste outside of the body when reconnection is not possible.
This procedure can be performed using either traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. The choice of technique depends on the patient's condition, the extent of the diseased area, and the surgeon's expertise.
Following a colectomy, patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in bowel movements, but the majority can resume a normal lifestyle after recovery. Furthermore, additional medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or medication, may be necessary depending on the underlying cause of the colectomy.
Overall, colectomy is a surgical intervention aimed at removing all or part of the colon to treat various colon-related conditions and diseases, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life.
