A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area.
A man-made opening to divert waste from the colon to an external colostomy bag. May be temporary or permanent.
The condition that results from the rupture of diverticuli in the colon.
Pockets in the colon that trap feces, sometimes leading to infection and pain.
Benign, precancerous or cancerous growths.
Surgical removal of part or all of an organ.
There are various reasons for a patient to undergo colon surgery including, among others, diverticulitis, polyps and colon cancer.
Colon surgery is performed after various tests and examinations indicate that this is the right approach for treating your symptoms. Prior to surgery, your colon (large intestine) will need to be emptied using strong laxatives and an enema.
A colectomy is an operation in which all, or a portion of, the colon is removed. After this is done, two open ends have been created and your surgeon will perform either a colostomy or will reconnect the open ends of the colon using stitches or staples (this is known as an anastomosis).
There are several types of colectomies:
• Right Hemicolectomy — Removal of the right portion of the colon.
• Left Hemicolectomy — Removal of the left portion of the colon.
• Transverse Colectomy — Rarely performed procedure in which the transverse colon (large, movable section positioned horizontally) is removed.
• Sigmoid Colectomy or Sigmoidectomy — Removal of the sigmoid colon; may also include resection of part or all of the rectum.
• Total Colectomy — Removal of the entire lower.
• Proctocolectomy — Removal of the entire colon and rectum.