What Is Hemicolectomty?
A hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure in which a section of the colon is removed. Hemicolectomy is performed by the surgeon to treat bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or severe diverticulitis. A hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure in which a damaged section of the intestine is removed. Later the healthy parts of the colon are reattached. It begins in the iliac region of the abdomen and runs the length of the abdominal cavity. The colon continues down the left side of the abdomen until it reaches the anus. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is located within the abdominal cavity.
The colon regulates the water level in the body by absorbing water, vitamins, and food, and thus processes water for excretion. Trauma, as well as various diseases, can harm the colon, also cancers of the bowel and colon, ulcerative colitis, polyps in Crohn's disease, or growths in the colon diverticulitis. In bowel disease cases, surgery to remove the damaged and diseased part of the large intestine may be required. A hemicolectomy involves removing only one side of the colon. The surgeon removes which side of the colon depends on the tumor's location or diseased tissue. A section of the colon removed will not impair a person's ability to digest food.
What Is the Procedure for Hemicolectomy?
A hemicolectomy can be performed using either laparoscopic or open surgery. In a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin scope after making small incisions in the abdominal wall. The surgeon then inserts surgical instruments into the abdomen through small cuts. This procedure is also referred to as keyhole surgery. Open surgery will be required if a surgeon cannot operate using this method. An open hemicolectomy involves making longer incisions in the body to gain access to the colon. Recovery may take longer with an open procedure because the cuts are larger. The colon is divided into three sections. The ascending colon connects to the small intestine, the descending colon connects to the rectum, and the transverse colon is between the ascending and descending colons.
What Are the Types of Hemicolectomy?
A hemicolectomy involves the removal of a portion of the colon on either the right or left side. The types of hemicolectomy are:
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Right Hemicolectomy - Ascending colon is removed by the surgeon during a right hemicolectomy. The transverse colon is then reattached to the small intestine.
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Left Hemicolectomy - Descending colon is removed by the surgeon before reattaching the transverse colon in a left hemicolectomy.
How to Prepare for Hemicolectomy?
Preparation for a hemicolectomy differs depending on a person's overall health and medications. Before the surgery, a doctor usually performs tests to make sure that the patient is a good candidate for a hemicolectomy. An electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood tests are among the tests performed. Medications like blood thinners may need to be discontinued for some time before surgery. However, it is critical to only discontinue medications on the advice of a doctor. Before their procedure, patients must fast for 12 hours. They may also require bowel preparation, which entails using a laxative to clean the colon.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Hemicolectomy?
A hemicolectomy is used to treat cancer and digestive disorders. There are risks involved in this surgery as well. While avoiding all complications may not be possible, following the doctor's post-procedure recommendations may reduce the risks.
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Internal Injury: Damage to the bladder or surrounding organs may occur during the procedure. Depending additional surgery or on the extent of the damage the surgery might be required. If an internal injury occurs, recovery may be hampered.
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Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is more likely with an open hemicolectomy rather than a laparoscopic procedure. Sometimes, the doctor may administer a blood transfusion to compensate for blood loss.
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Anastomotic Leak: An anastomosis is a site where the colon reattaches. The colon may leak at the point of anastomosis following a hemicolectomy. Stomach ache, vomiting, and nausea are all symptoms of a leak.
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Infection: Infections, including a hemicolectomy, can occur during or following any intestinal surgery. Antibiotics are usually required to treat an infection.
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Colostomy: One risk of a hemicolectomy is that the surgeon cannot reconnect the remaining colon to the intestine or the rectum. If reattachment is impossible, the surgeon may have to perform a colostomy for some patients.
How Is the Prognosis of Hemicolectomy?
The recovery time after a hemicolectomy depends on whether the procedure was performed laparoscopically or openly. However, recovery will likely take one to two months. The underlying health condition of a person may also have an impact on recovery. A hemicolectomy without complications usually requires three to seven days of hospital administration. A bladder catheter is usually left in place one to two days after the procedure to drain urine from the body. To remove fluids, the surgeon may insert abdominal drains. An epidural, inserted into the person's back near the spine, is usually used to administer pain medication by anesthesia. A medical team will administer oral pain killer medications after removing the epidural. People can usually continue eating and drinking as soon as they feel they are ready, though this varies.
Conclusion
The prognosis for people who have had a hemicolectomy varies depending on the reason for the procedure. Following surgery, some people may need to make lifestyle or dietary changes. People who have a hemicolectomy to treat a bowel disease may feel better and have fewer symptoms after the procedure.
