Total Colectomy - Facing the Possibility

Because of colon cancer or some other serious disease of the colon, some people have to have a total colectomy. A colectomy is removal of the colon, and is a drastic measure that doctors do only after careful consideration. People who have been diagnosed with colon cancer or colorectal cancer often catch it early enough to try other treatments. If the cancer does not seem to be responding to other treatments, however, than a partial or total colectomy may be used as a last resort.

With a partial colectomy, only part of the colon is removed. This often means that the surgeon can reattach the two ends or the colon from which the section was cut, eventually allowing for somewhat normal function again. A total colectomy is when the entire colon is removed, and this usually means having to create other means for the person to eliminate waste. This is done by a colostomy, where a pouch is attached to the stomach and catches waste. A total colectomy is a serious operation, after which a person has to make a lot of adjustments both physically and psychologically.

Before having a total colectomy, a patient needs to go through some medical tests to make sure they are ready. Also, they need to have the procedure explained completely, as well as what will happen afterward. The surgery itself can take up to four hours, and recovery time in the hospital is usually about five or six days. A colectomy is a very invasive surgery, and not only will there be a few days of recovery in the hospital, but also there will be a few weeks of recovery at home. As important as it is to rest after a colectomy, it is equally important to get up and move around regularly. This aids the body in healing and helps to prevent blood clots.

Anyone who is facing a total colectomy is probably understandably nervous. The good news is that this operation has been refined over the years and many times the procedure can be much less invasive. Laparoscopic surgery can often be done, which involves much smaller incisions and usually a shorter recovery time. Even the colostomy bag, usually worn outside of the stomach, can sometimes be inserted within the stomach and formed so that it replaces the rectum, allowing for almost normal waste elimination. The bottom line is that a colectomy can be a life-saving procedure, and that is what is most important.


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