colectomy

Colectomy (col- + -ectomy) is the surgical removal of any extent of the colon, the longest portion of the large bowel. Colectomy may be performed for prophylactic, curative, or palliative reasons. Indications include cancer, infection, infarction, perforation, and impaired function of the colon. Colectomy may be performed open, laparoscopically, or robotically. Following removal of the bowel segment, the surgeon may restore continuity of the bowel or create a colostomy. Partial or subtotal colectomy refers to removing a portion of the colon, while total colectomy involves the removal of the entire colon. Complications of colectomy include anastomotic leak, bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.

==Indications== Common indications for colectomy include: Colorectal cancer Colon polyps not amenable to removal by colonoscopic polypectomy Diverticulitis and diverticular disease of the large intestine Colon perforation or injury, which can occur as a result of trauma Bleeding Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Bowel infarction or ischemia Volvulus Stricture Slow-transit constipation Hirschsprung's disease Prophylactic colectomy may be indicated in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes such as Familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome, and in certain cases of inflammatory bowel disease due to an increased risk of colorectal cancer