What Is Laparoscopic Right Colectomy?

Laparoscopic colectomy is used to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as bleeding that can't be controlled.

The colon (called the large intestine or large bowel) is a part of the digestive system. The colon sits is situated in the abdominal cavity and travels down to end at the anus. One of the main functions of the colon is to regulate water levels in the body. The colon absorbs water from food. It also absorbs some vitamins and processes waste for expulsion from the body. The colon consists of four parts which include descending colon, ascending colon, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon.

Laparoscopic colectomy is used to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as:

• Bleeding that can't be controlled. Severe bleeding from the colon may require surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon.
• Bowel obstruction: A blocked colon is an emergency that may require total or partial colectomy, depending on the situation.
• Colon cancer: Early-stage cancers may require only a small section of the colon to be removed. Cancers at a later stage may require more extensive removal of the colon.
• Inflammatory intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
• Preventive surgery: Multiple precancerous colon polyps is a condition that predisposes the person to a high risk of colon cancer. These patients may choose to undergo a total colectomy to prevent cancer in the future. Colectomy may be an option for people with inherited genetic conditions that increase colon cancer risk.

A colectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a segment of the colon. During a colectomy, a surgeon removes a damaged section of the intestine and attaches the healthy parts of the colon.

• Removal of a section of the colon will not affect a person’s ability to digest food.
• Right colectomy is performed under general anesthesia.

In this procedure, a surgeon usually removes the ascending colon. Afterward, they reattach the transverse colon to the small intestine.

• The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdominal wall and inserts a thin scope. The scope has a lens and light for viewing purposes.
• The surgeon then inserts surgical instruments through the small cuts in the abdomen and removes the diseased part of the colon and reattaches the healthy colon.
• The instruments are removed and incisions are stitched with absorbable stitches.

This type of procedure is also known as keyhole surgery. The right colectomy procedure usually lasts less than three hours. 

The risk of complications is based on the general health of the patient. Typical complications of laparoscopic colectomy can include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Infection
• Injury to organs near the colon, such as the bladder and small intestines
• Tears in the sutures that reconnect the remaining parts of the digestive system

Individuals may notice very little change in their digestion after the removal of colon tissue. However, some people experience cramps or diarrhea. A doctor might recommend drinking more water and following a bland diet to help control bowel movements.

Bland diet consist of foods that reduce the risk of inflammation and may include:

• Lean meat, poultry, and fish
• Nuts and nut butter
• Any fruits except for citrus
• Any vegetables
• Low fat or nonfat milk and dairy

It is important to avoid added fats, caffeine, and alcohol, as well as condiments and foods with intense or spicy flavors. People should also avoid doughnuts, rich desserts, and chocolate.