How do you prepare for Colectomy?

First, the doctor will screen the symptoms with a colonoscopy. In emergency cases, doctors may not use up too much time for diagnosis.

The doctor will request you to follow a few guidelines before the surgery. You will need to-

• Stop certain medication that may put you at risk during the colon removal surgery
• Fast and not drink anything for several hours to a day
• Take a laxative solution or enema to clear your bowels
• Have antibiotics for suppressing natural bacteria and avoiding infection

Your surgeon will discuss all the pros and cons of surgery with you before deciding on anything. They will also provide you with a detailed timeline of pre, during and post colon removal surgery.

What happens during Colectomy?

The surgeon will monitor your vitals. He/she will ensure that you get intravenous antibiotics if required. The team will use a general anesthetic for the colon removal surgery.

With colon removal surgery, the surgeon has two formats that he/she uses. This depends on your symptoms and the surgeon's expertise.

• Open colon removal surgery

• Laparoscopic colon removal surgery.

Yet, not all cases require a laparoscopic format. In many cases, the surgeon may require to switch from one format to the other due to unexpected circumstances.

There are several variations to the above formats of colon removal surgery.

• Total colon removal surgery

• Partial/subtotal colon removal surgery

• Hemi colon removal surgery

• Procto colon removal surgery 

During the colon removal surgery, the team must reattach the digestive system and ensure proper waste removal. Therefore, the surgeon will choose to conduct other following procedures simultaneously.

• Anastomosis

• Reconnecting and removal

The surgical team may attach your intestines to an artificial hole in the stomach. They could conduct a colostomy (large intestine) or ileostomy (small intestine). This allows your bowels or waste to move out the hole into a bag (stoma). As per your comfort and condition, the doctor will make this temporary or permanent.

In the case of a procto colon removal surgery, the surgeon may take a part of your small intestine and make a pouch. He/she will attach this pouch to your anus. Professionals call this an ileoanal anastomosis.

Outcome: The surgical team will need you to stay back at the hospital. They will observe and let you properly heal. This time can be a few days to a week as per your condition/situation.

They will at least require you to stay till your bowel movements are normal. Therefore, doctors advice that you are clear from responsibilities and have someone to help you out.

The team will also monitor your vitals and prevent any signs of complications.

Surgeons advice that you may bring the following (more or less) for your comfortable recovery.

• Robe
• Slippers
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste or shaving supplies)
• Comfortable clothes
• Activities to pass time (book, magazine or games)

Doctors suggest that you can expect a few weeks of recovery.

Risks, if any: Your doctors and surgeon will always ensure your colon removal surgery is safe. Yet, there can be a few things you should be careful about. The following are the rare but possible complications associated with a colon removal surgery-

• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis

• Pulmonary embolism

• Infection
• Injury to organs nearby
• Tears in the reconnecting sutures

Alwaysinform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms above. These symptoms will differ based on your general health, form and type of colon removal surgery.

Other information:

Lifestyle changes, if any. After the colon removal surgery, you may not be able to eat anything solid. The recovery team will mostly provide intravenous liquid nutrition.

Once your body positively reacts, they will step up to clear liquids. As per the progress and success of your recovery, the doctor will give you a time that you can resume solid foods.

The team will also refer you to an ostomy nurse. He/she will help you understand, care for and change a stoma bag.

During your recovery you may feel slightly weak. Yet, be rest assured that your strength will return eventually. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed post surgery plan. This is especially for your normal activities.