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Sigmoid-Colectomy

What Is Sigmoid-Colectomy Surgery?

Sigmoid-colectomy surgery involves removing the left side of the colon and reattaching the ends if at all possible.  After administering general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision approximately fifteen inches long in the middle part of the lower abdomen in order to free the colon loop and the upper rectum from the patient’s stomach.  Thereafter, the surgeon removes the diseased part of the colon and in most cases, the ends are rejoined.  In cases where reattachment is impossible or unsafe, the waste is rechanneled through an opening in the abdomen called a colostomy, thus, requiring the patient to wear a bag to collect the waste material.   

Even if the ends are joined following the first sigmoid-colectomy surgery, a colostomy is usually necessary for short-term use to keep the waste from the bowel while the reattachment is healing. Prior to having sigmoid-colectomy surgery it is necessary to stop smoking, lose weight, and make certain any blood pressure, heart, and lung conditions are under control. Most patients will be able to get out of bed the day after sigmoid-colectomy surgery and return to normal activities within three months. It is normal to experience pain and tenderness at the incision site for up to six months.