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Total abdominal colectomy

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Ileorectal anastomosis

Definition    Return to top

Total abdominal colectomy is the removal of the large intestine from the ileum (lowest part of the small intestine) to the rectum. After it is removed, the end of the small intestine is sewn to the rectum.

Description    Return to top

You will receive general anesthesia right before your surgery. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain.

During the surgery:

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

The procedure is done for people who have:

Risks    Return to top

Total abdominal colectomy is usually safe. Your risk depends on your general overall health. Ask your doctor about these possible complications:

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

Talk with your doctor or nurse about these things before you have surgery:

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

The day before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

You will be in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. By the second day, you will probably be able to drink clear liquids. Your doctor or nurse will slowly add thicker fluids and then soft foods as your bowel begins to work again.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

After this procedure, you can expect to have 4 to 6 bowel movements a day. You may need more surgery and an ileostomy if you have Crohn's disease and it spreads to your rectum.

Most people who have a total abdominal colectomy recover fully. Most people are able to do most activities they were doing before their surgery. This includes most sports, travel, gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and most types of work.

References    Return to top

Cima RR, Pemberton JH. Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 110.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Coln and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.

Khatri VP, Asensio JA, eds. Subtotal colectomy/panproctocolectomy and j-pouch reconstruction. Operative Surgery Manual. 1st Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:chap 35.

Scriver G, Hyman N. Ileostomy construction. Operative Techniques in General Surgery. 2007;9(1): 43-49.

Update Date: 1/26/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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