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Colon Surgery
Colon surgery is usually done to remove a part or all of the colon for various reasons -- cancer and diverticulosis are the most common reasons. Cancer is usually diagnosed on Colonoscopy by Dr. Beane or another physician. Diverticulosis is a chronic condition caused by the lack of fiber and water in the typical American diet. More information is available from the National Institutes of Health.
The surgeries to remove part of the colon are major surgeries and require in depth conversations prior to undergoing the surgery. In general, the surgery can be performed "open" (typical middle abdomen incision) or "laparoscopically" (using small holes to do the surgery). Good laparoscopic candidates include those who are not obese (BMI < 35), have experienced rare diverticular bouts, or have unresectable polyps. Colon cancer can be resected laparoscopically, but this should be discussed further in person. Surgery usually involves removing the affected portion of colon and reanastomosing ("hooking up") the ends of bowel back together. Occasionally an ostomy (bag on the front of the abdomen) may be formed, but this is rare.
In general, you will undergo a "prep" the day before the procedure to cleanse your colon. Your surgery will generally take between 1-2 hours, and most people go home 5-7 days after surgery. Most people take 4-6 weeks off from work and you must limit your lifting to less than 20 pounds for four weeks.
Please review the following:
For more information regarding colorectal cancer and screening, see this at the National Cancer Institute.
For more information regarding polyps, see this at the National Institutes of Health.
For more information regarding diverticulosis and the importance of a high fiber diet, please see this at the National Institutes of Health.
