There are many types of colorectal operations. The specific type of surgery is determined by the location of the disease. Four common types are: right hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, left hemicolectomy, and low anterior resection (LAR).
Right hemicolectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the ascending colon and a portion of the transverse colon and then connects the transverse colon to the end of the small intestine. Most patients regain bowel function within three days after surgery. This may be slower for some patients, which may cause a longer stay at the hospital. This can also happen with the other surgery types, including sigmoid colectomy, left hemicolectomies, and low anterior resections.
Sigmoid colectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the diseased part of the sigmoid colon and then connects the descending colon to the rectum. Some patients may have an increased risk of complications after the operation. Complications could include infections, anastomotic leaks, or longer hospital stays. Surgeons may create a temporary or permanent ostomy at this time, which may extend their stay at the hospital.
Left hemicolectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon, and then connects the transverse colon to the rectum. Some patients may have an increased risk of complications after the operation, as compared to a right hemicolectomy. Complications could include infections or a longer hospital stay. Surgeons are more likely to create a temporary ostomy in patients who had left hemicolectomy, which may extend their stay at the hospital.
Low anterior resection (LAR)
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the diseased portion of the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Because this surgery takes place so deep in the pelvis, patients may be at a higher risk of anastomotic leaks and fecal incontinence. To reduce the risk, your surgeon may create a temporary ostomy to divert fecal matter away from the newly created anastomosis. Rectal cancer patients are also at increased risk of developing low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a collection of symptoms ranging from incontinence with frequency and urgency to constipation and incomplete emptying. Patients who had a low anterior resection are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.
Find out more about minimally invasive surgery here.
Learn more about colorectal resections, or colectomies, in this video by Medtronic: