The colon, or large intestines, connects the small intestines to the rectum, removing water from digested food, and passing it to the rectum to exit the body. When the colon is diseased or not functioning correctly, part or all of the colon may need to be removed in colectomy surgery.
Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon who can perform colectomy surgery through his practice in Los Angeles.
There are various reasons a colectomy may need to be performed. The length of the colon is about five feet, creating a square in the abdominal cavity and ending at the top of the rectum. When tissue in the colon is infected, inflamed or impacted by disease, it can cause problems with digestion and bowel movements. A colectomy may be performed as treatment for colon cancer, blockages, colon polyps, bowel obstructions and diseases like diverticulitis.
There are various types of colectomy surgeries. A colectomy can be performed laparoscopically or through open surgery, depending on the surgeon and the type of procedure. A total colectomy is a complete removal of the colon. A partial colectomy only removes one side (hemicolectomy), part of the colon with the rectum (proctocolectomy) or the bottom of the colon (sigmoidectomy).
Many colectomy procedures can connect healthy tissues together, reforming the colon for normal digestion and elimination. However, sometimes a colectomy surgery may require a temporary or permanent colostomy, where waste exits the body into a colostomy bag instead of through the rectum.
Dr. Danny Shouhed is a gastrointestinal specialist that offers minimally-invasive and robotic colectomy surgery. If you have a colon disease or condition that requires a colectomy, contact our team at our office in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment. We can schedule a consultation with Dr. Shouhed to discuss the various colectomy procedures and what surgery could be right for you.