Colon Resection

Colon resection is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of your colon. You may need a colon resection to treat a condition that affects the large bowel, like colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, in Somerville, New Jersey, uses state-of-the-art techniques when performing a colon resection so that you get the best possible outcomes. To discuss surgical options for a colon resection, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a colon resection?

A colon resection refers to any surgical procedure that removes some or all of your large intestine. Your large intestine is the last section of your digestive tract and absorbs water from food waste before it’s expelled from your body.

Depending on the type of colon resection you need, your surgeon at Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, may need to create a new way for you to eliminate stool.

Why would I need a colon resection?

Colon resection is a treatment for conditions that affect the function or structure of the large intestine and are incurable with medical interventions. Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, performs colon resections to treat:

• Colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Colovesical fistula

You may also need a colon resection if you have a bowel obstruction, recurring diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticula), or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. 

What are the types of colon resection procedures?

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, determines the type of colon resection you need based on the reason for the surgery and whether they need to remove only a portion of the colon or the entire organ. 

Types of colon resection procedures include:

Hemicolectomy

During a hemicolectomy, the surgeon removes one side of your colon, either the right or left side. 

Sigmoid colectomy

For a sigmoid colectomy, Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, removes the sigmoid colon, the last section of the colon that connects to the rectum.

Proctocolectomy

A proctocolectomy is a type of colon resection that removes some or all of your colon plus the rectum. 

Total colectomy

A total colectomy is the removal of your entire colon. 

When performing a colon resection, Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, uses minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery to reduce incision sizes, post-surgical pain, and recovery time.

What can I expect during recovery from colon resection?

After colon resection, you spend some time at the hospital for monitoring and waiting for a return of your bowel function. Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, provides detailed instructions about diet and wound care for when you go home.

You may need to take it easy for a few days. Most people resume usual activities about two weeks after their colon resection. Full recovery takes about six weeks.

To discuss your colon resection surgical options, call Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, or schedule an appointment online today.