Surgery is the way to remove colon polyps that are too large or are in a difficult position to be reached during a colonoscopy. The surgery, called a colectomy, involves the partial or entire removal of the colon. The colon, also called the large intestine, is the lower 20 percent of a person’s entire intestinal tract. The amount of the colon to be removed will depend on where the polyps are located and if there are any suspected diseases associated with the polyps.
Laparoscopic and open are the two operational methods used for a colectomy. A Glendora or Victorville General Surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and recommend the best procedure for your personal situation.
LAPAROSCOPIC AND OPEN COLECTOMY …show more content…
Both styles of colectomy operations are performed at a hospital.
You will be given a general anesthesia before the surgery so that you will be asleep and not feel any discomfort. Your vital signs will be monitored during the operation. Tissue removed during the surgery will be sent to a laboratory to determine if the polyps are benign, non-cancerous, or malignant, cancerous. If the tissue is malignant, the surgeon will determine if more of your colon needs to be removed.
After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will remain until you wake up. Then you will be taken to your hospital room where you will stay until you are able to return home. The normal hospital stay for a laparoscopic colectomy is 3 to 5 days and 5 to 8 days for an open colectomy. Before you are discharged from the hospital, your surgeon will provide you with post-operative care instructions that will include a schedule for checkup visits at the surgeon’s office, dietary restrictions, and a timetable for resuming normal
activities.
Laparoscopic Colectomy
For this minimally-invasive operation, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen where specialized surgical tools will be inserted with a camera equipped scope. This enables the surgeon to locate the polyps, to remove the infected section of the colon, and to resection the colon with stitches or staples. The outer skin is closed with stitches or staples. The entire procedure takes about 2 hours to complete.
Open Colectomy
For this operation, the surgeon will perform the entire surgery through one large incision in your abdomen. The internal procedure is performed in the same manner as the laparoscopic colectomy. Your incision will be closed with stitches or staples. The entire procedure takes about 3 hours to complete.