A colectomy is a
type of surgery used to treat colon diseases
. These include cancer, inflammatory disease, or diverticulitis. The surgery is done by removing a portion of the colon. The colon is part of the large intestine.
Is a colectomy major surgery?
Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or the entire colon. Colectomy is
a major surgery
and may take up to four hours for completion. Colectomy is performed under general anesthesia and may require hospitalization for up to a week or more.
What happens if you have a colectomy?
In general, complications of colectomy can include:
Bleeding
.
Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
and the lungs (pulmonary embolism) Infection.
How long does it take to recover from colectomy surgery?
You may return to work after you feel healthy, usually 1 to 2 weeks after laparoscopic repair and
2 to 3 weeks for open procedures
. You will not be able to lift anything over 10 pounds, climb, or do strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.
Why would you need a colectomy?
Reasons for a colectomy
A
blockage (also called an obstruction)
or a twisting (called a Volvulus) in the colon. Colon cancer, or other tumors within or involving the colon. Complicated diverticulitis or other cause of severe infection of the colon. Digestive tract disorders, such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative …
Does colectomy shorten life?
The overall survival rate after colectomy. The 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-year overall survival rates were 94.7%, 88.4%, 72.0%, and 72.0%, respectively. The overall survival rate after colectomy. The 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-year overall survival rates were 94.7%, 88.4%, 72.0%, and 72.0%, respectively.
Do you lose weight after colectomy?
It is normal to lose some weight after this surgery
. Soon it will level off and slowly you will start to regain some of the weight you lost. Try to have a good calorie intake to keep up your energy.
What are the side effects of a colectomy?
- Reactions to anesthesia.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Internal bleeding.
- Infection at the skin incision site or inside the belly.
- Hernia.
- Scar tissue (adhesions) in the stomach, which can block the intestines.
- A leak where the intestines are sewn together.
- Damage to nearby organs.
Can you live a normal life without a colon?
Although it is an amazing organ,
it is possible to live without a colon
. People have portions of their colon removed in surgery every day—surgical bowel resection is one of the treatment options for colon cancer. However, all six feet of your colon, also called the large intestine, serve a purpose.
Can you smell a colostomy bag?
People with a stoma smell
It is believed that this myth came about because early ostomy supplies were not odour-proof. However, with
modern stoma bags there should not be any smell at all.
What is life like after colon removal?
Your surgeon might recommend eating a low-fiber diet for about a month. Recovery from a laparoscopic surgery is faster than with an open resection. You’ll also have less pain and smaller scars. After
1 to 2 weeks
, you may be able to get back to most of your normal routine, such as walking and working.
How big is the incision for a colectomy?
The surgeon makes a cut of
6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters)
in your lower belly. The organs in your belly are examined to see if there are any problems. The diseased part of your large bowel is located and removed. Some lymph nodes may also be removed.
How soon can I drive after colectomy?
A: You can usually drive
one week to ten days after you leave the hospital
.
What is the difference between colectomy and colostomy?
A colectomy is the surgery done
to remove either all or part
of the colon. It can also be called a large bowel resection. In some cases, a colostomy is needed after colectomy. A colostomy is an opening to the outside of the body that lets stool (bowel movements) exit the body into a bag.
What celebrities have a colostomy bag?
- Al Geiberger. Al Geiberger is a former professional golfer who won 11 tournaments on the PGA tour, one of them being the 1966 PGA Championship. …
- Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower. …
- Jerry Kramer. …
- Marvin Bush. …
- Napoleon Bonaparte. …
- Rolf Benirschke. …
- Thomas P. …
- Babe Zaharias.
What foods should you avoid after colon surgery?
Avoid gummy foods such as
bread and tough meats
, as well as spicy, fried, or gas-producing foods. To prevent swallowing air, which produces excess gas, avoid drinking through a straw and don’t chew gum or tobacco. Take small bites, chew your food well, and avoid gulping.
