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Colon Resection Surgery
Colon resection and colostomy
Your doctor told you that you have colon cancer. He/she said that you will need to have colon resection surgery. Wow, you didn't see that one coming! You have questions and fears about the surgery. This is normal.
Ask Questions
The key to fear management is knowledge. Make a list of your questions and concerns and meet with your doctor to get answers. Ask about alternative treatments involving diet change or medication. You will want to get a second opinion because the best surgical team is the team you want. Take action!
Going forward with colon resection surgery? If the answer is yes, then there are some things that you should know. Colon resection or colectomy is just a fancy way to say "remove part of your colon." You may hear your doctor use terms like:
- Right Hemi-colectomy
- Left Hemi-colectomy
- Sigmoid colon resection
- Segmental resection
Don't be baffled. The diagrams below show you an example of two types of operations.
Topics to discuss with your doctor
You should include the following topics when discussing surgery with your doctor.
- Proper nutrition and exercise in the weeks prior to surgery.
- Before surgery, you must take a laxative to empty your colon or large intestine.
- Colon resection surgery can be traditional "open surgery" or a less invasive technique (laparoscopic surgery).
- Open surgery will require a 12-inch incision in your abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery requires smaller incisions and leaves smaller scars.
- You will be given a general anesthetic to make you "sleep" during the surgery.
- Colon resection times can vary, so ask your doctor how long you will be "under."
- The doctor will remove the diseased part of your colon, and she will reconnect your colon if possible.
- If colon reconnection is not possible, your doctor will create an opening in your abdomen called a stoma.
- You will have a colostomy bag attached to the stoma to collect your body waste. The medical care-givers will train you how to use and care for the colostomy bag.
- In many cases, the colostomy can be reversed. Make sure to ask your doctor about this item. It's a big one.
- You will need pain medication for several days. Ask your doctor about the merits of IV versus epidural delivery of pain medication.
- Hospitalization time will be about 7 days if you have open surgery or 5 days for laparoscopic surgery.
- It generally takes longer to recover from open surgery than laparoscopic surgery. A recovery time for open surgery could be as long as 8 weeks.
Possible Complications
You are wondering about possible complications. As with most surgeries, possible complications include internal bleeding and infection. Consult your doctor for a complete list of possible complications to a partial colectomy. Each case is different, so ask about your possible complications.
Survival Rate
The survival rate after a colectomy is very good. Clinical studies have shown an overall survival rate of about 86% which is pretty good, but you want the best team of doctors working for you. One of my family members had a colon resection at age 65 and lived another 30 years! The colostomy was temporary and did not inhibit her normal activities.
Now you have a list of topics to discuss with your doctor. Ask your questions. Get answers before proceeding with colon resection surgery. Get peace of mind.
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