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Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy

Pre-operative Preparation for a Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy procedure

There is some important information about the pre-operative preparation for this procedure. It is imperative that you read this.

Read about Bowel Pre-operative Preparation

Procedure

About laparoscopic right hemicolectomy

It is an operation to surgically remove the right side of the colon, including the caecum (and attached appendix if still present) and a variable length of ascending colon. It is sometimes necessary to also remove the first part of the transverse colon. An anastomosis (join) is then made between the last part of the small bowel (terminal Ileum) and the remaining colon (an ileocolic anastomosis).

Indications

The usual reason for performing this operation is to remove a cancer (malignant tumour) or large benign polyp within the colon.

Anaesthesia and antibiotics

The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic, administered by an anaesthetist. Antibiotics will be given in the operating room.

Operative procedure

The bowel will be operated on using keyhole surgery through several small incisions made in the abdomen. The caecum, ascending colon and hepatic flexure of the transverse colon are fully mobilised. The blood supply to this part of the colon is ligated and divided. The incision around the umbilicus is then extended sufficient to be able to extract the bowel. The relevant part of the bowel is then resected and an anastomosis is fashioned. The bowel is then returned to the abdominal cavity and the wounds closed. The anastomosis is usually fashioned using a special linear stapler.

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy


Post-operative Care following a Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy procedure

There is some very useful information regarding your care following this procedure and it is important that you take time to read it.

Read about Bowel Post-operative Care

Related Information

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