Right hemicolectomy for colon cancer
A right hemicolectomy is a common surgery for colon cancer.
What is a right hemicolectomy?
This surgery removes the ascending colon and part of the transverse colon. The transverse colon is then connected to the end of the small intestine. Some lymph nodes and surrounding tissue are also removed.
Right hemicolectomy methods
Your surgeon may perform your colectomy as an open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery.
The technique will depend on:
- your overall health
- tumor size
- the surgeon's experience and preference
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Some right hemicolectomy surgeries do not require a stoma if the surgeon is able to connect the two ends of the colon together. The part of the colon that is joined is called an anastomosis.
Risks and possible complications
Risks of any surgery depend on several factors, including your overall health and the extent of the surgery.
Problems are rare but can include:
- infection
- bleeding
- blood clots in the legs (DVT)
- leak at the anastomosis
- scar tissue in the abdominal cavity (adhesions)
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