A colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the left or right colon. The colon is part of the large intestine, a long, tube-like organ at the end of the digestive tract. A colectomy may be necessary to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)
- Colon Cancer
- Difficulty with colonic diverticulum (herniation of the colon mucosa mainly on the sigmoid colon)
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Scar abscess
- Between 1h30 to 3 hours
- You can resume eating gradually the day after the procedure
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What is a colectomy?
The colon is the largest part of the large intestine, continuing from the small intestine, and is approximately 1.5 meters in length. Its main function is to absorb water from stool so that it becomes less fluid.
Colon surgery, or colectomy, involves the removal of part or all of the colon. Once the part of the colon has been removed, the intestinal passage is repaired with a suture or stent between the two parts of the intestine. However, if the intestinal suture does not heal properly, an artificial anus or stoma may be created, usually temporarily.
A colectomy is recommended for people who have:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
- Colon Cancer.
- Difficulty with colonic diverticulum (hernias or pouches, especially in the sigmoid colon).
- Crohn's disease.
Types of colectomy in Turkey
Depending on the amount of colon removed, there are several types of colectomy in Istanbul, Turkey:
| Colectomy type | Characteristics |
| Total colectomy | Resection of the entire colon. |
| Right hemicolectomy | Resection of the right colon and distal small intestine. |
| Left hemicolectomy | Retrenchment of the left colon. |
| Transverse colectomy | Transverse resection of the colon. |
| Sigmoid colectomy | Resection of the sigmoid colon. |
Regardless of the type of colectomy performed, the procedure can be performed in Turkey either by open surgery or by minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
In open surgery, a large incision is made in the abdomen. In laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow the insertion of a laparoscope and other surgical instruments to facilitate the removal of the affected part of the colon. This approach generally results in faster recovery times and less scarring than traditional open surgery.
Preparation for colectomy
Before undergoing a colectomy in Turkey, several steps must be taken to ensure the success of the surgery. The preoperative process begins with bowel preparation, which includes a liquid diet and the use of laxatives to cleanse the colon.
The goal of bowel preparation is to ensure that the bowel is empty and clean. This allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the colon during surgery.
Before a colectomy, patients may also undergo a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum.
This device is then passed through the colon to detect potential abnormalities such as polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory colitis. Colonoscopy allows surgeons to better plan a colectomy by determining the extent of surgery required.
Recovery and Postoperative Care After Colon Surgery in Istanbul
After colectomy, patients may experience bowel changes and discomfort, including irregular bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhea. You should follow a low-residue diet of easily digestible foods to help the digestive system heal. Some may need an ostomy (colostomy or ileostomy),an opening surgically created in the abdominal wall to facilitate the elimination of waste.
Ostomy patients must learn to care for their bowel properly. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions for pain management and wound care to prevent infection and promote healing. Some patients may need chemotherapy or other treatments after a colectomy, especially if they have colon cancer.
Regular follow-up with surgeons and oncologists is important to monitor healing. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is important for a speedy recovery and to prevent complications.
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