Pre-operative Preparation for a Laparoscopic Total Colectomy 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 total colectomy
A total colectomy is removal of the whole colon from its junction with the small bowel proximally (upstream) to its junction with the rectum distally (downstream). An anastomosis (join up) is fashioned between the last part of the small bowel and the remaining rectum (ileorectal anastomosis). It is performed laparoscopically (using keyhole surgery).
Indications
The operation is usually performed for disease effecting the whole colon such as colitis or for multiple tumours.
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 operation involves mobilising the whole colon on its mesentery (sheet of fat containing the blood supply and lymph nodes) off adjacent structures such as the abdominal wall. The terminal ilium is transected as is the proximal rectum. The resected bowel is then bought out via the extended umbilical (belly button) port. An anastomosis (join up) is then fashioned between the last part of the small bowel and the first part of the rectum using a special stapling device.
Post-operative Care following a Laparoscopic Total Colectomy 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