Hemicolectomy in India

What is Hemicolectomy?
Hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure that aims at removing a damaged or diseased portion of your large intestine or colon, without affecting its normal function. The affected area of the intestine is extracted and the remaining ends are joined together to ensure normal and healthy digestion. The procedure is usually recommended to patients whose colon has been damaged beyond repair. This may be due to any of the following:

• A malignancy involving the colon
• Severe abdominal trauma or injury sustained in an accident 
• Diverticulitis, a condition marked by chronic inflammation of the diverticula
• Growth of polyps or small masses in the colon, which are at risk of becoming cancerous
• Underlying medical conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and ulcerative colitis. 

The procedure is subdivided into two categories - right hemicolectomy and left hemicolectomy. 
The former involves the removal of a portion of the ascending colon, i.e., the part connected to the small intestine, whereas the latter involves the removal of the descending colon, i.e., the part connected to the rectum. 

Things you need to know

• Hemicolectomy is not an option for pregnant women, patients with an underlying heart condition, bleeding and clotting disorders, advanced colon cancer. 
• The surgical procedure normally takes about 2 to 4 hours; however, the procedural time may vary from one patient to another. 
• The length of hospital stay also varies from one patient to another and some might even require to stay at the hospital for a week or two. 

How Health Orioles helps you to find the best healthcare facility in India? 
Over the last few years, India has become one of the leading hubs for medical tourism, attracting lakhs of patients from across borders and seas. With hundreds and thousands of options to choose from, it becomes rather difficult to make your decision. With a curated list of around 101 Hospitals & Clinics and 95 doctors & surgeons, Health Orioles is your ultimate guide to finding quality treatment in India. 

We provide you with access to the top doctors and surgeons specializing in hemicolectomy, to help you make an informed decision and ensure the right optimization of your time and finances. 

Connect with us to know more about your treatment and how we plan your medical journey with our experts.  

How to prepare for the treatment? 

• You will be required to undergo a full body examination to make sure that you are fit for the procedure
• Your doctor will inform you about all the pros and cons and whether you will need a colostomy bag
• It is important to inform your doctor about any medication that you have been taking, as you might be required to stop taking these. 
• Strictly refrain from taking blood thinners like aspirin warfarin. 
• You might be prescribed to take some laxatives before the surgery, to help clear your digestive tract. This is commonly referred to as bowel prep. 
• You will be required to fast, starting a few hours prior to the surgery. 

Procedure involved
The procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia which is given intravenously 
Depending on whether you have opted for the conventional approach or the laparoscopic one, the surgeon will make one large incision or multiple small ones, so as to access the intestine. 

The surgeon will carefully remove the damaged portion of the colon along with the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes and blood vessels that have been affected. 

In the case of ascending colon, the remaining end of the large intestine is connected to the small intestine, whereas in the case of descending colon, the remaining end is connected to the rectum. This process is commonly referred to as anastomosis. 

In some cases, where anastomosis is not possible, surgeons may use a stoma, which is a small pouch that helps to collect all the wastes post the surgery. Depending upon your overall prognosis, it will be decided whether you need the bag temporarily or permanently. 

What to expect after the procedure? 

• Slight pain and discomfort or normal after the surgery and can be taken care of with the help of prescribed pain medication
• You will be examined thoroughly to make sure that you normally pass gas and solid waste. 
• You will be required to take proper rest for a few days following the surgery. 
• Rigorous physical activities are to be avoided for a couple of weeks following the surgery. 
• You will be recommended post-surgical diet plan that is to be followed religiously
• Potential risks that you need to know about
• Indigestion or constipation which may last for a few days
• Fluctuating fever
• Irritation and discomfort at the surgical site
• Persistent pain that is not responding well to medication
• Blockage in the colon due to scarring of tissues
• Clotting