Colectomy

A colectomy (or total colectomy) is the surgical removal of the entire large intestine (colon) without removing the rectum . Intestinal continuity can either be restored by a connection ( anastomosis ) between the small intestine and the rectum ( ileorectostomy ). Or the small intestine can be diverted as an artificial anus ( anus praeter ), the rectum then remains blindly closed.

If the large intestine is removed together with the rectum, it is called a proctocolectomy . A 15 cm long J-shaped reservoir ( ileum J-pouch ) is usually formed from the last 30 cm of the small intestine and reconnected to the anal canal (IPAA = ileum pouch anastomosis) in order to reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, the anus can also be closed and the small intestine diverted as an artificial anus praeter .

The incomplete removal of the large intestine is known as a subtotal colectomy .

Proctocolectomy is still the only option for the definitive cure of ulcerative colitis , as it only occurs in the colon. In FAP ( familial adenomatous polyposis ), the proctocolectomy is carried out as a precaution against the onset of colon cancer, usually at the end of puberty.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Bleese N., ea: Kurzlehrbuch Chirurgie , Thieme Verlag, 2010, pp. 115, 316, ISBN 3131525088 , here online

See also

• Hemicolectomy
• Ulcerative colitis
• Familial adenomatous polyposis

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !