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Colon Surgery

WHAT IS COLON RESECTION?

A portion of the large intestine, or colon, may need to be removed as part of the management of a variety of malignant and benign disorders.  In rare cases, the entirety of the colon may need to be removed.  Benign diseases that may require colon resection include Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, volvulus, obstruction, or ischemia.

Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder.  In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.

The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences.  Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections.  Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living. 

In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.

Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections.  A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.

After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated.  Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery.  Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation.  Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery.  Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.

When is a colon resection indicated?

Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder.  In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.

Does the procedure cause major consequences?

The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences.  Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections.  Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living.

In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.

What is the preparation associated with colon resection?

Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be prepped and cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections.  A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.

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What can I expect after surgery?

After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated.  Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery.  Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation.  Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery.  Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.

When is a colon resection indicated?

Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder.  In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.

Wound care instructions and pain medication will be provided by your surgeon

Does the procedure cause major consequences?

The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences.  Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections.  Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living. 

In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.

Team surgeon at work on operating in hospital .

What is the preparation associated with colon resection?

Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections.  A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.

What can I expect after surgery?

After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated.  Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery.  Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation.  Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery.  Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.

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Our surgeons offer comprehensive surgical solutions and specialize in laparoscopic and robotic, minimally invasive surgery, which means less pain, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery time, so you can get back to your daily life.

Heritage Surgical Group
4.6
Based on 11 reviews
Zach Finkelstein
Zach Finkelstein
1683739094
Dr Stavros G Christoudias performed an excellent life saving bowel surgery for my father. Words can’t express… the man... is Aces!read more
Rich Loeffler
Rich Loeffler
1643238022
I had to have my gallbladder removed in the beginning of January and Dr. Marta put my mind at ease with this surgery.... He was very open and informative, every step of the way. I highly recommend Dr. Marta and his team, they are the best! Thank you again!read more
Maureen Blei
Maureen Blei
1614577442
Dr. Marta removed my gallbladder, January 22nd successfully. From the moment I met him, he was, friendly,... compassionate, explained exactly what he would be doing, and made me feel very comfortable in believing in him. I could not have been in better hands!read more
Nancy Meyler
Nancy Meyler
1595284231
After being admitted to the hospital via ER my husband ended up with a diagnosis of gallbladder disease which required... surgery. Dr Marta of the Heritage Surgical Group was the surgeon who was assigned to the case. I cant say enough good things about Dr. Marta. In the midst of the pandemic when I couldn't go to the hospital and meet or speak with the doctors in person, Dr Marta took his time to speak with me several times on the phone and provided updates and insight. If you need surgery and have a choice, I highly recommend Dr Marta.read more
Nicoline Campbell
Nicoline Campbell
1578332001
Highly recommend..... you did an amazing job Dr.David Radvinsky 👍 keep up the good work.
Ryan Darmiento
Ryan Darmiento
1565183382
I had an inguinal hernia repaired by Dr. Christoudias that was nothing but a positive experience!! When I went for a... follow up he noticed I was limping from a 3 inch splinter that was removed from my calf by Chilton E.R. He was really concerned about the way it looked and by the weak antibiotic they put me on.He gave me his cell # and a script for stronger meds if it wasn't better by the next day. Fast forward a week and he had to surgically remove a piece that was found to be left in. Dr. Christoudias really went above and beyond in various aspects of healthcare. This is what healthcare should be all about, and many doctors can learn from him.read more
Nicholas Robbins
Nicholas Robbins
1546964934
My time with Dr. Christoudias was by far the most enjoyable medical experience I have ever had. He is kind, patient,... informative, thorough, and dedicated to make you feel important - regardless of if you're one of his pro athlete clients or an average joe. His surgical work was also amazing. I had a double hernia surgery on a Friday and was back at work on Tuesday. Recovery was smooth, manageable, and in line with the expectations he set for me. His surgical center is beautiful - new, clean, efficient, and filled with amazing staff. I will only go back to him for any future general surgery.read more
Jonathan Kinne
Jonathan Kinne
1496146265
I have never received better care from a doctor. Dr. Christoudias and his staff are absolutely wonderful. I am so... grateful for their high level of professionalism and care.read more
Joseph Smotkin
Joseph Smotkin
1484847595
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