Posted: 09/18/05 - 02:00 Post subject: colectomy and elimination
I heard for the first time today that there is a possibility of creating an artificial anus with a procedure called colectomy. What exactly is eliminated there and why is this done!!!
A colectomy is a surgical removal of the colon, or large intestine. If only one part of the colon is removed, then it is hemicolectomy. After the removal of the colon the doctors need to leave an opening to the intestine through the wall of the abdomen. Intestinal contents drain from this opening into a sealed pouch. This opening is known as a "stoma" . Colectomies can be performed through a single long incision in the abdomen (an open colectomy), or several small incisions (a laparoscopic colectomy). Working through the incisions and the rectum, the surgeon will remove the diseased portion of the colon and, if possible, reconnect the remaining segments. Both types of surgery will take from 1 to 4 hours, and may last longer. This procedure is usually done because of inflammatory conditions of the intestine, including colitis or Crohn’s disease.
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