Colon Surgery

Colon surgery is an operation where the patient’s colon is removed or shortened. It is one of the most common operations that doctors highly recommend. Colon surgery is usually done to remove polyps, tumors, or other growths in the colon. A colectomy eliminates part or all of the small intestine and its attachment to the colon and any spleen and gallbladder present. It is the primary surgery in approximately 50% of all colorectal cancer cases and is typically the only option in these cases. The process is done with care, and the doctor should be sure that the condition of the colon would be better without this operation. We are going to discuss all you need to know about colon surgery.

What is The Colon?
The large intestine is known as the colon. The colon is the part of an animal where waste from the food we eat is stored before it is removed through the anus. This large intestine stretches from the rectum to the anus and doubles as an ample storage space for solid or semi-solid waste products, such as fecal matter, from our digestive tract after we eat. The material takes about 20 minutes to leave our body through the anus. The colon has 3-4 layers of muscle responsible for removing solid waste and gut grease, which will accumulate over time.

What Is a Colectomy?
A colectomy is a surgery wherein the large intestine is removed. The small intestine becomes the ileum. In this procedure, the surgeon removes all the spleen, gallbladder tissues, and any portions of the colon attached. A colectomy is recommended when there is an obstruction in the large intestine, and many medical conditions arise. A colon operation is performed on the patient’s abdomen or trunk. The incision is made from the lower abdomen (tummy) to the pelvic area where the anus is located. The surgical site for the colon stays in the center of the back, close to the spine. The procedure is possible only on a patient who has not sustained any injury in the abdominal area at any point in time.

Conditions Does Colectomy Treat
There are various reasons which make a patient undergo the procedure. The most common cause is colon cancer. Colon cancer can be treated with surgery, with a very high success rate. The other reason is colitis, which affects the large intestine and causes inflammation of the bowel lining. Other conditions include diverticulitis, which can cause infection in the colon’s inner lining, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. No matter what has caused your need for this operation, there are numerous benefits to taking it on as soon as possible while you still have time.

The Symptoms
The main symptoms of a colectomy are rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weakness. The recovery period is short compared to a hysterectomy or an appendectomy. You will be on bed rest for 1-2 days and need to stay in the hospital for one night after the operation. It takes another 2-3 days to recover the muscles and nerves that regulate defecation comprehensively, so no bowel movements occur. You will take painkillers to relieve your abdominal discomfort during your recovery period.

What Are The Benefits Of a Colectomy?
A colectomy is an extensive surgery, yet it is performed inside an operating room with anesthesia. Recovery time is short, and the chances of complications are meager. It’s done laparoscopically, and this procedure allows new muscles to be built up quickly. Colectomy can also be performed on patients who have had multiple abdominal surgeries. The benefits are that the patient can generally eat again and will not be impacted by any medications.

Where is Colon Surgery Done?
It can generally be done during the patient’s recovery period or after a few days in an outpatient setting. This depends on whether or not an infection has appeared from having your bowel cut open and drained. Colectomy is done in modern hospitals with effective nursing care and high-tech equipment like Elite Surgical Miami. The doctors efficiently perform the surgery with limitless knowledge and experience. A laparoscopic procedure is possible if the patient’s general conditions are good enough. If a patient is undergoing colon treatment in Miami, they can expect efficient and effective care.

The Risks Of a Colectomy
The most significant risk is bowel perforation which occurs when the surgeon bumps into something that causes the bowel to tear during surgery. This is very unlikely, but it can cause internal bleeding if it does happen. Patients with heart problems may also suffer heart failure due to the operation, pneumonia, kidney stones, and sepsis. However, if operated on by the appropriate doctors promptly, the risks for complications are minimal. In addition, patients who undergo the procedure should be aware of the potential symptoms of bleeding from the intestine unrelated to the operation.

Many factors make someone unsuitable for a colectomy operation. The reasons for a colectomy may not only be limited to colon surgery but also some other conditions. It is best to consult your doctor before you go ahead with any major procedure. Be aware of any symptoms, and consult your doctor if you feel any.

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