A laparoscopic resection of the large intestine is surgery that uses a camera and medical instruments to remove a section of the large bowel.

• The instruments are inserted into three or four small cuts in the abdomen.
• It is also known as a laparoscopic colon resection.

The main function of the large intestine is to extract water from undigested food (stool or feces). It also stores the stool until it leaves the body through the anus. A resection of the large intestine may be done because parts of the large intestine are:

• Blocked
• Injured
• Diseased

During a resection the unhealthy part of the intestine is removed. The two healthy ends are then sewn together. However, sometimes there is not enough healthy tissue for the surgeon to sew the ends of the bowel together.

• When this happens, a loose end of the large intestine is brought out of the body through a hole made in the abdomen (a stoma). This is called a colostomy.
• A colostomy can be temporary (to give the large intestine time to heal) or permanent (e.g., when the rectum is involved and are removed).

There are times when the surgeon cannot perform the surgery through a laparoscope. In those cases, the diseased part of the large intestine needs to be removed through a larger incision in the abdomen. This may be recommended if:

• You have a blockage that cannot be removed or a hole in the intestine
• You have an emergency with a hole in the colon (perforation)
• You have severe disease of the large intestine (infection, inflammation, bleeding or twisting of the bowel)
• You have tumors or growths in the large intestine (benign or cancerous)
• Your surgeon does not have experience in doing laparoscopic surgery
• You have an injury to the large intestine

Prior to either surgery, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before surgery. These may include:

• Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
• Regular medications you should continue to take on the day of your surgery
• How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before surgery

If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.

General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia for a laparoscopic removal of the large intestine. This is where you are put into a deep sleep and are unable to see, hear or feel anything.

• After the surgery, your nurse will help you get out of bed as soon as possible.
• This can decrease the risk of post-operative complications, such as blood clots and infection.

After two or three days, you may be started on clear liquids. You will usually be able to eat solid food when your bowels start to work again.

• You will need to stay in the hospital for about five to seven days after surgery.
• Do not forget to arrange for transportation to and from the facility.
• Pain medication and help at home may be needed while you recover.

Some benefit plans recommend or require that members receive treatment for certain conditions (including cancer, bariatric surgery, bowel surgery, and heart procedures/surgeries) at a Center of Excellence (COE) facility.

• If you have questions on COE benefits, call the number on your health plan ID card.
• You can also go to myuhc.com and search under the extra programs section on the benefits and coverage tab.

What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a resection of my large intestine?

• What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
• Are there less invasive treatment options for me? Are there any alternatives to surgery?
• How many large intestine resection surgeries have you done? What have the results been on patients like me? What complications have they had?
• Do I need a second opinion? Will you help me to arrange one?
• How much of my large intestines will you be removing? Will I need to have a colostomy bag after surgery? If so, is it temporary or permanent?
• What kind of sedation or anesthesia will be used? What are the possible side effects?
• What are the possible complications to this surgery, how will I feel after the surgery, and will I have to modify my activities?

After your surgery, you should know what symptoms you should report to your healthcare provider. Make sure you also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans.

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Lower Intestine Removal - Laparoscopic

Large Intestine Removal

Hernia

Colon Removal

Colectomy