Colectomy (Colon Resection)

Advanced Surgical Care for Diseases of the Colon

A colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the colon when disease, inflammation, or cancer cannot be managed safely with medication or less invasive treatments. The goal of surgery is to remove the affected segment while preserving as much healthy bowel as possible and maintaining normal digestive function whenever feasible.

When appropriate, colectomy can be performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques, which offer enhanced precision, smaller incisions, and often a smoother recovery. However, the safest approach is always individualized based on the patient’s condition and the urgency of the situation.

Elective vs. Emergency Colectomy

Elective Colectomy

An elective colectomy is planned in advance, allowing time for careful evaluation, imaging, and surgical planning. These cases are often well suited for robotic or laparoscopic surgery, which can reduce pain, blood loss, and hospital stay.

Common elective scenarios include:

Recurrent or complicated diverticulitis
Colon cancer diagnosed through screening or symptoms
Certain benign but symptomatic colon conditions

Emergency Colectomy

An emergency colectomy is performed when a patient presents with a serious or life-threatening condition such as bowel perforation, obstruction, severe infection, or uncontrolled bleeding. In these situations, patient safety is the priority.

Not all emergency cases are suitable for robotic surgery. The surgical approach—open, laparoscopic, or robotic—is chosen based on:

Severity of illness
Degree of inflammation or infection
Prior surgeries
Overall stability of the patient

The goal in emergency surgery is to treat the immediate problem safely while planning for the best long-term outcome.

Sections of the Colon That May Be Resected

The colon is divided into several sections, and the type of colectomy depends on where the disease is located. Common resections include:

Right Colectomy – removal of the right side of the colon
Left Colectomy – removal of the left side of the colon
Sigmoid Colectomy – removal of the sigmoid colon, commonly performed for diverticulitis
Subtotal or Total Colectomy – removal of most or all of the colon in selected cases

Whenever possible, the remaining ends of the bowel are reconnected (anastomosis) to allow normal passage of stool. In some situations, especially emergencies, a temporary or permanent ostomy may be necessary for safety.

Indications for Colectomy

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed or infected. While many cases are treated without surgery, colectomy may be recommended for:

Recurrent attacks
Complications such as abscess, perforation, or stricture
Ongoing symptoms that affect quality of life

A sigmoid colectomy is the most common operation for diverticular disease and is often performed electively using minimally invasive or robotic techniques.

Colon Cancer

Colectomy is the primary surgical treatment for colon cancer. Surgery involves removal of the tumor along with nearby lymph nodes to allow accurate staging and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Early-stage cancers are frequently treated electively and may be well suited for robotic surgery. More advanced cases may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy, coordinated with oncology specialists.

Robotic Colectomy — When Appropriate

Robotic surgery enhances the ability to operate in confined spaces with improved visualization and fine control. Benefits may include:

Smaller incisions
Less postoperative pain
Reduced blood loss
Faster return of bowel function
Shorter hospital stay

Robotic surgery is not appropriate for every patient or every situation, particularly in unstable or severe emergency cases. The chosen approach always reflects what is safest for the patient.

Recovery After Colectomy

Recovery depends on the type of surgery, the portion of colon removed, and whether the procedure was elective or emergent. Most patients can expect:

Hospital stay of several days
Early walking and gradual return to eating
Temporary changes in bowel habits as the colon adapts
Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks

We will provide specific instructions regarding diet, activity, and follow-up care.

Long-Term Outlook and Follow-Up

Most patients recover well after colectomy and return to a normal or near-normal quality of life. Long-term follow-up depends on the underlying diagnosis. Patients treated for cancer or chronic conditions often require ongoing surveillance and coordinated care.

When to Seek Surgical Evaluation

You may benefit from consultation if you have:

Recurrent diverticulitis
A new diagnosis of colon cancer
Colon complications identified during hospitalization or imaging

Early evaluation allows for thoughtful planning and, when possible, elective minimally invasive surgery.