Hemicolectomy
Hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure involving removal of the affected segment of the colon. It is performed for tumors, inflammatory bowel diseases, and intestinal obstruction. After resection of the diseased part, intestinal continuity is restored by creating an anastomosis.
When is hemicolectomy required?
- Colon cancer (right-sided or left-sided).
- Colonic polyposis with a high risk of malignant transformation.
- Complicated Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Intestinal obstruction or ischemia of the large intestine.
- Severe inflammatory processes leading to destruction of the intestinal wall.
How is the surgery performed?
- Preparation. The patient undergoes preoperative evaluation, including laboratory tests, colonoscopy, and CT imaging.
- Resection of the affected segment. The surgeon removes the diseased portion of the colon; in oncological cases, regional lymph nodes are also excised.
- Reconstruction. An intestinal anastomosis is created to restore bowel continuity.
- Postoperative care. The patient receives medical support and is prescribed a gentle postoperative diet.
Types of hemicolectomy
- Right hemicolectomy. Removal of the ascending colon, often including the terminal ileum.
- Left hemicolectomy. Removal of the descending colon, sometimes with part of the sigmoid colon.
- Laparoscopic hemicolectomy. A minimally invasive approach performed through small incisions using specialized instruments.
Recovery after surgery
- A gentle diet with gradual reintroduction of solid foods.
- Monitoring of bowel function and stool patterns during the first weeks.
- Regular follow-up with a surgeon and gastroenterologist.
- In oncological cases, continued observation by an oncologist.
Advantages of modern hemicolectomy techniques
- Minimally invasive approaches reduce postoperative recovery time.
- High-precision diagnostics and careful preoperative planning.
- Effective prevention of complications while preserving bowel function.
When should medical attention be sought?
- Presence of intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
- Diagnosed tumors or precancerous conditions of the colon.
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases with complications.
Advantages of hemicolectomy in Belarus
In Belarus, hemicolectomy is performed in modern surgical centers equipped with advanced laparoscopic systems. Experienced surgeons apply tissue-sparing resection techniques, enabling faster recovery and return to normal daily life.
This text has been translated using machine translation technology (DeepL API) and may contain inaccuracies.
