Partial Colectomy

Small incisions will be made in the abdomen. Instruments will be inserted through these incisions. The diseased portion of intestine will then be removed. The 2 loose ends of intestine will be sewn together. Some soft tubes may be left in the abdomen to drain any accumulating fluids.

Stitches or staples will be used to close the area. A bandage will be placed over the incisions.

Total Colectomy

In a total colectomy, the entire colon will be removed through the incision. In some cases, the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum, is then connected to the rectum. A small pouch is made from the ileum to store stool. This pouch mimics the function of the rectum and preserves anal function.

Stitches or staples will be used to close the area. A bandage will be placed over the incisions.

Colostomy

With either procedure, you may need a colostomy or ileostomy. In this procedure, an artificial opening will be created in the abdomen, called a stoma. One or both ends of the intestine will be attached to the stoma. This allows stool to exit the intestine through the stoma. It collects in a pouch called an ostomy bag. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.

A temporary colostomy allows the intestine to rest and heal. When your intestine has healed properly, you will undergo another operation to rejoin the ends of the intestine.

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At the Hospital

• You may need antibiotics. You may also need medication for nausea and pain.
• You may require a nasogastric (NG) tube for a few days. The tube enters through your nose and goes to your stomach. It is used to help decompress your intestines.
• Your intestine will require some time to heal before it will function properly again. At first, you will get nutrition through an IV. As you improve, you will be slowly advanced through liquid and soft diets to a regular diet.
• If you had a colostomy or ileostomy, a pouch will be attached on the outside of your body. Waste material will be collected in it. You will receive instructions about diet and activity. During the first few days after surgery, you may be restricted from eating.
• You will wear boots or special socks to help prevent blood clots.
• You will be asked to walk often after surgery.
• You may be asked to use an incentive spirometer, to breathe deeply, and to cough frequently. This will improve lung function.
• Your incision will be examined often for signs of infection.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

• Washing their hands
• Wearing gloves or masks
• Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection such as:

• Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same
• Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
• Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

If you have a colostomy:

• You will need to take it easy for 1-2 months.
• A specialized nurse will teach you how to care for the stoma site and change the ostomy bag.
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
• You will progress from a clear liquid, to a bland, low-fiber diet, to your regular diet after about 6-8 weeks.
• Alert your physicians and pharmacist that you cannot take medications that are considered time-released or time-sustained.
• Do not use laxatives, because postcolostomy stools are usually quite liquid.
• Drink plenty of liquid daily as extra fluids will be lost in your stool.
• You will need to practice good skin care of the area around the stoma. This will help to prevent inflammation and infection.
• You may wish to join a support group or seek counseling to help you adjust to your colostomy.