If we explain it in simple words, a colectomy is the surgical removal of the entire or a part of the colon. People suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are usually the candidates of colectomy. This surgery aims at treating many other intestinal conditions. The spread of disease and location of the problem is the factors that determine the extent of the colon to be removed.
It is worth mentioning that not every surgery aimed at treating IBD will fall into the category of colectomy. You will have to speak to your doctor and surgical team before undergoing the surgical treatment to remove all or a part of your colon. In this article, we will discuss different types of colectomy surgery to help you understand why you may need to undergo this procedure.
Proctocolectomy
This surgical method involves the removal of the colon along with the rectum. The rectum is more like a reservoir that holds stool before it is excreted out of the body through the anus. With the rectum removed, you will need a new way to get rid of your intestinal wastes. That’s where an ileostomy comes in. This intestinal diversion results at the end of the small bowel pulled out through a cut in the belly to allow fecal wastes to leave the body.
J-Pouch surgery
This surgery can be done during proctocolectomy or after a few months of it. J-pouch refers to an internal pouch, which is also known as an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). During this surgery, the surgeon folds the end of the small bowel into itself to form the shape of a “J” that acts like a rectum. A cut at the bottom of this pouch connects it with the anus, allowing the patient to expel bodily wastes through the anus.
Ileoanal Anastomosis
This procedure also allows the patient to expel bodily wastes through the anus. During this surgery, the surgeon connects the small intestine to the anus after removing the colon and rectum. Initially, you may have to live with an ileostomy for a few weeks or months to allow your small bowel to recover well enough to ensure Ileoanal Anastomosis.
Total colectomy
During a total colectomy, the surgeon removes your entire colon. Some people confuse it with proctocolectomy. However, the difference here is that a patient retains all or a part of the rectum after a total colectomy. Generally, you will need an ileostomy after this surgery. Your surgeon may choose to give you an ileorectal anastomosis, which can eliminate the need for an ostomy. Depending on your condition, the ileostomy you get may be permanent or temporary.
Partial colectomy
The surgical procedure aimed at removing a part of your colon is known as a partial colectomy. People who have Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or diverticulitis are the candidates for this treatment. This procedure results in the removal of the diseased part of the colon and the connection of two healthy ends. It can also result in the creation of a colostomy, which is a bowel diversion that brings the end of the colon out through the belly.
You can discuss all these types of colectomy with your doctor.
