Name of the Procedure:

Colectomy, Partial; with Anastomosis

• Common Names: Partial Colectomy, Bowel Resection
• Technical Terms: Segmental Colectomy, Hemicolectomy

Summary

A partial colectomy involves the surgical removal of a section of the colon. After removal, the two remaining ends of the colon are reconnected through a process known as anastomosis. This procedure is performed to treat certain diseases and conditions affecting the digestive tract.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, bowel obstruction, severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Goals: To remove diseased or obstructed portions of the colon, relieve symptoms, and restore normal bowel function by reconnecting the healthy sections of the digestive tract.

Indications

• Persistent, severe abdominal pain or bleeding
• Diagnosis of colorectal cancer
• Complications from diverticulitis (e.g., perforation, abscess)
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
• Bowel obstructions not relieved by other treatments

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients are usually required to fast several hours before surgery and may need to follow a clear liquid diet for a day or two beforehand. Instructions may include bowel cleansing with laxatives or enemas.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, imaging studies like CT scans, colonoscopy, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and extent of disease.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to sleep throughout the surgery.
2. Incisions: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen for laparoscopic surgery, or one larger incision for an open colectomy.
3. Removal: The surgeon locates and removes the diseased section of the colon.
4. Anastomosis: The two healthy ends of the colon are sutured or stapled together.
5. Inspection and Closure: The area is inspected for bleeding, and the incisions are closed with sutures or staples.
   • Tools and Equipment: Surgical scalpels, laparoscopes, staplers, sutures

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether it is performed laparoscopically or as open surgery.

Setting

Partial colectomies are performed in a hospital operating room, usually followed by a short stay in the hospital for recovery.

Personnel

• Surgeon: Performs the procedure.
• Anesthesiologist: Manages anesthesia and monitors the patient.
• Surgical Nurses: Assist during the procedure and provide patient care.
• Surgical Technicians: Aid in managing the surgical instruments and equipment.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots, leakage at the anastomosis site.
• Rare Risks: Injury to nearby organs, prolonged ileus (temporary lack of bowel movement), deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism.
• Management: Monitoring, antibiotics for infections, surgery to repair leaks, anticoagulants for blood clots.

Benefits

• Relief of symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and obstruction.
• Potential cure for colorectal cancer if detected early.
• Improved quality of life and nutritional absorption.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Pain management, monitoring vital signs, gradual reintroduction of foods from liquids to solids, wound care.
• Recovery Time: Generally, 4-6 weeks for full recovery. Initial hospital stay is around 3-7 days.
• Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and colon function.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Non-surgical management of symptoms with medication, dietary changes, minimally invasive procedures for smaller polyp removal.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical alternatives may manage symptoms but won’t remove diseased tissue; hence, a partial colectomy might offer a more definitive solution for severe cases.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: The patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain or discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Pain and discomfort are managed with medications. Patients might experience soreness, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
• Pain Management: Pain relievers, either oral or intravenous, and sometimes patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices are used.
• Comfort Measures: Early mobilization, dietary adjustments, and support from the healthcare team contribute to a smoother recovery process.