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WHAT IS A COLECTOMY?
A colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the colon (large intestine). It is also called a colon or bowel resection. Most patients need a partial colectomy. The surgeon removes the diseased section and joins the two healthy ends back together. Colectomy surgery treats colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions of the large bowel. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, most colon operations are done with minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Colon surgery at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Alexander Rose and Dr. Craig Morgenthal, who use laparoscopic and robotic techniques for colon and rectal surgery.
With minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery care, many patients go home within two to four days.
Before surgery we review your colonoscopy, scans and overall health and explain which part of the colon needs to be removed.
WHY A COLECTOMY IS DONE
COLON CANCER
Surgery is the main treatment for colon cancer. The surgeon removes the section of colon with the tumor along with nearby lymph nodes, which are checked to stage the cancer and guide any further treatment.
DIVERTICULITIS
A colon resection may be recommended after repeated attacks of diverticulitis, or for complications such as an abscess, a tear (perforation), a narrowing or an abnormal connection to the bladder.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
For Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that does not respond to medicine, or that causes bleeding, narrowing or precancerous changes, removing the affected bowel can relieve symptoms.
OTHER REASONS
Large polyps that cannot be removed during a colonoscopy, a blocked bowel, a twisted colon (volvulus) and severe bleeding can also require surgery. See all our colon and rectal surgery services.
RISKS TO KNOW
Possible risks include a leak where the bowel is joined, infection, bleeding, blood clots, a slow return of bowel function and a hernia at the incision. Minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery care help lower these risks.
TYPES OF COLECTOMY
PARTIAL COLECTOMY
The part removed depends on where the disease is: a right hemicolectomy removes the right side of the colon, a left hemicolectomy the left side, and a sigmoid colectomy the lower S-shaped section. A total colectomy, which removes the whole colon, is needed less often.
LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY
The surgeon works through several small incision sites with a camera and fine instruments, or with the robotic system. Compared with an open colectomy, patients usually have less pain, a shorter stay in the hospital and a faster recovery time.
IF YOU NEED AN OSTOMY
Sometimes the bowel needs time to heal before it can be joined, so the surgeon brings the end of the bowel to the skin as a colostomy or ileostomy. Most of these are temporary and are reversed with a smaller operation a few months later.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You may have blood tests, a CT scan and a colonoscopy. Most patients complete a bowel preparation and take oral antibiotics the day before surgery. Stopping smoking and staying active help you recover faster. See our checklist for general surgery.
IN THE HOSPITAL
You will be encouraged to walk and drink liquids the same day or the day after surgery. Our enhanced recovery (ERAS) program helps control pain and get the bowels moving. Most patients stay two to four days.
EATING AFTER SURGERY
Start with small, frequent meals that are easy to digest, and drink plenty of fluids. Bowel movements may be looser or more frequent for a few weeks while the colon adjusts.
RECOVERY
Most people return to desk work in two to four weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks. Full recovery usually takes six to eight weeks. If you had surgery for cancer, you will have follow-up visits and colonoscopies.
OUR COLORECTAL SURGEONS
Colectomy at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Alexander Rose and Dr. Craig Morgenthal. Learn more about our colorectal surgery services.
COLECTOMY FAQS
How long does colon surgery take?
Most laparoscopic or robotic colon resections take about two to four hours, depending on the part of the colon removed and whether there is scarring from earlier surgery.
How long is the hospital stay after a colectomy?
Many patients go home two to four days after minimally invasive surgery. The stay can be longer after open surgery or an emergency operation.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Most patients do not. When an ostomy is needed to let the bowel heal, it is usually temporary and reversed a few months later. Your surgeon will tell you before surgery if an ostomy is likely.
Can you live a normal life after part of your colon is removed?
Yes. The remaining colon takes over, and most people return to their usual diet and activities. Bowel habits often settle into a new normal within a few weeks to months.
What are bowel movements like after colon surgery?
At first they may be looser, more frequent or less predictable. This usually improves over several weeks. Fiber, fluids and regular meals help.
Does insurance cover colon surgery?
Colon surgery is usually covered when it is medically necessary, but coverage depends on your plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
What is the recovery time after colectomy surgery?
Most people go home in two to four days, return to desk work in two to four weeks and feel fully recovered in six to eight weeks. Recovery takes longer after an open colectomy or emergency surgery.
When is an open colectomy needed?
Open surgery through a larger incision may be needed for a very large tumor, heavy scarring from earlier operations, or an emergency such as a perforated bowel. Sometimes a minimally invasive operation is converted to open surgery for safety.
How do I schedule a colon surgery consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, diverticulitis surgery.
