COLECTOMY
GENERAL INFORMATION
A colectomy is the removal of part of the large
bowel usually with joining of the two ends. This
operation is usually done to remove a diseased part
of the large bowel, either because of benign disease
or because of a malignant disease. Your doctor would
have discussed with you the indications for your
operation.
DIAGNOSIS
You presented to your doctor with symptoms relating
to large bowel disease. You were most likely
investigated with a colonoscopy and/or a barium
enema.
Your doctor has decided that it is appropriate to
treat you by means of a colectomy.
PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION
- You will need to have your large bowel cleansed
before the operation.
- Your doctor will explain to you whether he wants
this done at home or whether he needs you to be
admitted to hospital for bowel preparation. This
preparation is very important.
- Make sure your doctor knows what medicines you
take, especially medicines which may affect blood
clotting.
- You must not eat or drink anything for 6 hours
before the operation.
THE OPERATION
- You will be asleep for the operation.
- The operation usually takes 2 hours.
- Your doctor would have discussed with you whether
he proposes to give you a temporary bag (colostomy)
or whether he proposes to do an anastomosis without
the need for a bag.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
- You will wake up in the recovery room or in the
intensive care unit.
- You will have an infusion into your arm, neck or
chest. You may have a tube through your nose into
your stomach. You will probably have a catheter in
your bladder. The anaesthetist may have decided to
do an epidural on you for pain control.
- When you are well enough to leave the intensive
care unit you will be returned to your usual
hospital bed.
- At an appropriate time your stitches will be
removed.
HOME CARE
- You will be instructed to what extent you are
allowed to walk around.
- You will be instructed regarding bathing and
showering.
- You will be instructed by your doctor regarding
driving and returning to work.
COMPLICATIONS
- A colectomy is a major abdominal operation and
complications do occur. You must be aware of the
following possible complications.
- Even if your doctor has decided that he is going
to do a resection and anastomosis, you must be aware
of the fact that sometimes a situation may arise
while you are under anaesthetic that may make your
doctor decide that it would be safer for you if he
gave you a colostomy.
- The most important complication is a leak from the
anastomosis. This may necessitate re-operation or
may lead to an intestinal fistula. It may lead to a
major intra-abdominal infection and peritonitis. It
may lead to intra-abdominal abscesses.
- Chest infections are fairly common after this
operation. This is the reason that your doctor will
probably order chest physiotherapy.
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are
possible after any major operation.
pil-colectomy.doc/ver 1/8 December 2002 |
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