Colon Resection

Colon Resection

The colon is an important part of the digestive tract and is prone to diseases. Surgical procedures that include a colon resection are performed on a large number of patients every year. During this procedure, a diseased part of the bowel tract is removed and the healthy parts are rejoined. A colon resection may be required in cases of colon cancer, diverticulitis, after the formation of intestinal polyps, gastrointestinal bleeding and inflammatory bowel disease. It may be preformed to treat fistulas, strictures and large bowel obstructions as well.

Colon resection surgery

There are two types of colon resection, namely open colon surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is performed under general anesthesia where an incision is made in the abdomen in order to locate the diseased part of the colon. The diseased part is removed and the two healthy ends are stapled or sutured. Colon resection is preformed with utmost care so that other organs located close to the colon are not injured. The operation lasts for about 3 hours, depending on the severity of the case.

Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery on the other hand is a relatively new, non-invasive technique that has many advantages. The procedure is much faster; the recovery time is short, while most patients experience less postoperative pain. A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and helps the surgeon see inside the abdomen. Surgical instruments are then inserted through other incisions in order to perform a colon resection.

Colon resection pre-operative care

If you are undergoing a colon resection, your doctor will perform a colonoscopy to determine the extent of the disease. He may order blood tests, an abdominal CT scan and X-ray as well. The colon needs to be flushed out prior to surgery in order to prevent any infection from spreading. Antibiotics, colon cleansing with the help of laxatives and a semi-liquid diet are common for the week leading up to surgery. A colon cleanse may be prescribed to clean out your system. You may need to go on a liquid diet 24 hours prior to surgery. It is important to let your doctor know if you have taken any over-the-counter medications prior to surgery. There are certain medications like aspirin that thin the blood and are not permitted before surgery.

Colon resection post operation treatment

After a colon resection, you will be closely monitored in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. As with other surgeries, you can expect to remain on intravenous fluids until your colon has recovered from the surgery. It is common to experience abdominal pain for which the doctor will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to kill any infection. The doctor will listen for the passage of gas with a stethoscope, which is usually an indication that the colon has returned to normal. After this, you can expect to go on a clear liquid diet, until you are slowly introduced to eating solid foods once again. It is essential to rest and perform simple exercises as well in order to stimulate your blood circulation and normal bowel movements.

If you want to maintain a healthy colon, you ought to try some colon cleansing products that contain natural ingredients. Undergoing colon hydrotherapy sessions a few times a year will help keep colon infections at bay. Keep healthy the natural way and you won’t end up having to go under the surgeon’s knife.