What is a Hemicolectomy?

A hemicolectomy removes part of the colon along with its blood supply and regional lymph nodes. The remaining colon is joined back together (anastomosis). It is the standard curative surgery for cancers of the colon.

Types of Hemicolectomy

• Right Hemicolectomy — removes caecum, ascending colon and hepatic flexure; for cancers of the right colon. The ileum is joined to the transverse colon.
• Extended Right Hemicolectomy — also removes transverse colon; for hepatic flexure and transverse colon cancers.
• Left Hemicolectomy — removes descending colon and splenic flexure; for left colon cancers. The transverse colon is joined to the sigmoid.
• Sigmoid Colectomy — removes sigmoid colon; for sigmoid cancers or severe diverticular disease.
• Total Colectomy — removes entire colon; for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or synchronous cancers.

Laparoscopic vs Open Hemicolectomy

Dr. Ashok Kumar performs both laparoscopic and open hemicolectomy. Laparoscopic colectomy is preferred for eligible patients — shorter hospital stay (3–4 days vs 5–7 days), faster recovery, less pain and equivalent cancer outcomes. Open surgery is used for advanced tumours with adjacent organ involvement.