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Sometimes when doctors treat conditions like colon cancer,
certain infections, or intestinal bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or
Crohn’s disease, they recommend a bowel resection. Also called a colectomy,
this major surgery removes some or all of the large intestine. As you can
imagine, this surgery can be life-saving, but it also considerably impacts
patients’ lives, so it’s important to learn about the procedure and potential
recovery.
The large intestine, which absorbs water and moves waste out
of your body, is made up of three portions: the ascending, transverse and
descending colon. During surgery, part or the entire colon is removed, either through
minimally invasively laparoscopic surgery or traditionally open surgery with a
larger incision. Often this procedure requires a hospital stay between 3 to 7
days, potentially longer if you had emergency surgery or you develop
complications in the hospital.
Living With an Ostomy
Depending on the condition, the health of the intestine, and
how much is colon is saved, the two ends of intestine can be joined together. Other
times, the entire colon may need to be removed and a temporary colostomy bag
worn to collect waste while the colon heals. The colostomy bag is attached to over
a surgically created opening (stoma) in the abdomen.
Although it may take some getting used to, living with an
ostomy shouldn’t disrupt your life. You can participate without restriction in
most activities you enjoy now. Whether your ostomy is permanent or temporary,
you’re in good company—more than 500,000 people in the United States have an
ostomy.
Some people report psychological and emotional problems
after surgery and feel self-conscious about wearing a colostomy bag. However,
although they are usually about the size of your hand, the bag is flat and
usually isn’t detectable under clothes. There are ostomy support groups
throughout the country that can offer advice and support to help you live your
fullest life.
Risks and Complications of Colectomy
Potential risks and complications of bowel resection surgery
include:
-
Reaction to general anesthesia
-
Blood clots
-
Post-operative skin infection at the incision
-
Intestinal leak
-
Internal bleeding
-
Bowel obstruction due to scar tissue left by the
surgery
Although
it can present challenges, bowel resection surgery allows many people to go on
to live their normal lives, participating in favorite hobbies like swimming,
biking, hiking, gardening or any other activity they enjoyed before surgery. In
fact, people suffering with ulcerative colitis are cured by this procedure, and
those with intestinal bowel disease often find they have more energy and
ability to partake in social events because they are no longer tied to the
bathroom or spending time in the hospital. Talk to your doctor about whether
you may be a candidate for colectomy, and discuss the risks and benefits of
this procedure for treating your symptoms.
