The colon is the large intestine which is the final part of the digestive system. 

Colectomy is a surgery performed to treat colon diseases. These diseases include colon cancer, colon inflammatory disease (diverticulitis), intestinal obstruction, infection, bleeding, etc. During this surgical procedure, a part or whole of the colon is removed based on your condition. 

Types of colectomies:

• Total colectomy: The entire colon is removed
• Partial colectomy: Only a part of the colon is removed
• Hemicolectomy: Either the right or left side of the colon is removed
• Total proctocolectomy: The colon along with rectum are removed
• Abdominal perineal resection: The sigmoid colon (part of the colon that attaches to the rectum), rectum, and anus are removed
• Segmental resection: A small part of the affected colon is removed
• Sigmoidectomy: The lowest part of the colon is removed

How do you prepare for a colectomy?

Before undergoing colectomy, your doctor will:

• Evaluate your fitness for surgery
• Perform physical examination 
• Checks the health history

The following tests are recommended:

• Blood tests
• X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) test
• Urinalysis
• Colonoscopy
• Pre-operative counseling

You will have to:

• Fast before the procedure (no food or drinks) 
• Take a laxative or enema to clear out your bowels(intestines)

What happens during colectomy?

In general, you can expect your doctor to:

• Administer the general anesthesia
• Make incisions in your abdomen (belly area)
• Carefully separate and remove the affected colon tissue
• Connect the functional or healthy intestinal ends using staples or sutures
• Close your abdominal incisions

What happens after colectomy?

You must stay at least 3 to 6 days to recover in the hospital post-surgery. This depends on the type of surgery you have undergone. 

During the hospital stay, you will be:

• Monitored for any signs of complications after the surgery
• Gradually removed from the pain medications
• Fed with a liquid diet or soft diet (liquid to semi-solid)
• Checked for your bowels to begin functioning again

Recovery at Home: What to do?

• You should avoid lifting heavy weights, do not climb stairs
• Avoid performing strenuous exercises until the doctor’s advice. 
• Follow diet restrictions as recommended by your doctor. You may be asked to eat a low-residue (low fiber) diet after surgery
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day
• Do not strain to have a bowel movement (pooping)
• Resume back to work in 2-3 weeks

Talk to your doctor about showering, putting your surgical incisions under water, diet, sexual activity, and stoma care.