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Colectomy (Total or Ileostomy)

What Is Colectomy (Total Ileostomy) Surgery?

Colectomy surgeries are performed to treat a variety of medical conditions including colon cancer, intestinal obstructions, intestinal trauma, precancerous polyps, and intestinal irritants like Crohns disease.  The surgery can be classified as a complete or total colectomy, where the entire colon is removed or a partial colectomy where a part of the colon is removed. When the entire colon is removed in a total colectomy, surgeons may put in a temporary connection known as an Ileostomy. 

In an Ileostomy procedure, the surgeon builds a separate opening for the colon in the front abdominal wall. As there has to be an opening for regular waste discharge, the cut ends of the large intestines are drawn out and attached to the anterior abdominal wall with an opening or stoma.  A colostomy bag is then attached to this opening to collect the draining stool. 

Ileostomy surgeries and colectomy procedures are carried out under general anesthesia and last approximately 1-4 hours.  Because complications may arise (including internal bleeding, hernia, infection), most doctors recommend a hospital stay of at least 5- 6 days for monitoring and preliminary recovery.  Hospitals will also guide you on how to change your colostomy bags and clean the opening.  Patients will have to stick to a low fiber and liquid diet to allow while the colon heals.  Patients who receive colectomy surgery can usually live ordinary, energetic lives, after a full recovery.  However, individual outcomes may vary depending on the age, condition, and lifestyle of the patient.