What You Should Know About Colon Surgery
Colon surgery or colectomy involves the removal of part of the entire colon. As you know, the colon is an important part of the digestive system. Ideally, scottsdale colon surgery can be done to prevent or treat different health conditions and diseases that affect the colon. The common colectomy operations done are:
- Partial colectomy – this procedure is done to remove part of your colon. It is also known as subtotal colectomy
- Total colectomy – this procedure is done to remove the whole colon.
- Proctocolectomy – this procedure is done to remove the rectum and colon
- Hemicolectomy – this procedure removes only the left or right part of the colon
Colon surgery involves the use of different procedures that involve reattachment of the parts of the digestive system to allow waste to get out of the body.
Reasons for Colon Surgery
You should note that colon surgery can be used in treating and preventing different diseases that affect your colon. These are some of the reasons this surgical procedure is done.
Bleeding
The surgical procedure can be done to treat bleeding that cannot be controlled. In most cases, severe bleeding requires surgery to remove the affected part of your colon.
Colon Cancer
Early-stage cancer needs removal small part of the colon. However, if your cancer is at the last stage, it may need the removal of the colon.
Bowel Obstruction
Having a blocked colon requires an emergency procedure and it may need partial or total colectomy. The nature of the operation done depends on the situation.
Ulcerative Colitis
The doctor recommends proctocolectomy or colectomy if medications are not helping to control the symptoms and signs. For instance, proctocolectomy is needed when precancerous changes occur.
Crohn’s Disease
When the medications cannot help you, there is a need to remove your affected part. It can also provide temporary relief from symptoms and signs.
Preventive Surgery
If the doctors determine that you have a high risk of suffering from colon cancer because of the formation of colon polyps, it is advisable to choose total colectomy. This is necessary to prevent the occurrence of cancer in the future. Sometimes the procedure is necessary for persons with inherited genetic conditions.
Colon surgery has a share of its risks. The risk of complications varies depending on your health and the approach used to operate. Some of the complications that can arise depend on bleeding, infection, blood clots, and injury to the organs. The doctor will monitor and manage the complications that can arise.
