MenuOpen Colectomy
An open colectomy uses a single large incision approximately 15 – 25 cms down the center of the abdomen through the abdominal wall. The diseased section of bowel is then removed through the incision. The two cut ends of bowel are sewn together. Some soft tubes may be left in the abdomen to drain any accumulating fluids. Stitches or staples are used to close the wound. A dressing is placed over the incisions.
A colostomy or ileostomy may be needed in the post-operative period. In this procedure, an artificial opening is created in your abdomen, called a stoma. One or both ends of the intestine are then attached to the stoma. This allows waste to exit your bowel through the stoma. The waste material is collected in a pouch called an "ostomy" bag. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.
A temporary colostomy allows the intestine to rest and heal. When your intestine has healed properly, you may be able to undergo another operation to rejoin the ends of the intestine.
With open colectomy a hospital stay of 7-10 days is usual.
This was the standard operation in the past and although laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical techniques have largely superseded the open procedure it may still be advised and performed in some cases.
Laparoscopic Colectomy
In laparoscopic colectomy the surgeon uses a slender instrument (laparoscope), inserted through tiny incisions (cuts) in the abdomen. This eliminates the need for an abdominal incision and thereby reduces the period of post-operative recovery.
At Casey Surgical Group Laparoscopic Colectomy is the preferred surgical option. Please refer to the laparoscopic "For patients" page of the website for more information the laparoscopic management of this condition.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure there are potential post-operative complications.
These include:
- Post-operative bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to nearby structures including the intestines, the bladder, blood vessels and the ureter (a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder).
- Anastomotic leak – The site where the two ends of bowel are reconnected (the anastomosis), may be susceptible to possible leakage.
- Blood clots may occur in the veins, and these can travel to the lungs.
- Hernia at the surgical incision.
- Bowel obstruction from internal scar tissue may also occur, even years later.
- Complications from the general anaesthetic.
