Hemicolectomy Surgery | Right & Left Colon Resection

Hemicolectomy (Colon Resection)

Right & Left Colon Surgery by Dr. Ashok Kumar

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What is Hemicolectomy?

Hemicolectomy is surgical removal of part of the colon. Right hemicolectomy removes cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon. Left hemicolectomy removes descending and sigmoid colon. Done for cancer, polyps, or inflammatory disease.

Indications for Hemicolectomy

  • Colon cancer
  • Large polyps with dysplasia
  • Crohn's disease with strictures
  • Volvulus
  • Diverticular disease with perforation

Pre-operative Preparation

Colonoscopy, CT staging, blood tests, anesthesia clearance. Bowel prep with laxatives and antibiotics. NPO 6-8 hours before surgery. Thromboprophylaxis and antibiotic coverage.

Surgical Technique

Laparoscopic Approach (when possible)

  • 3-4 small incisions
  • Mobilization of colon with video guidance
  • Division of blood vessels and bowel
  • Specimen extraction through small incision
  • Primary anastomosis

Hospital Stay & Recovery

Laparoscopic: 2-4 days, return to activities 2-3 weeks, full recovery 6-8 weeks. Open Surgery: 5-7 days, return to activities 4-6 weeks, full recovery 8-12 weeks.

Success Rate

Excellent outcomes with proper oncological resection. Complication rate <5%. Cancer cure rates depend on staging. Regular follow-up with colonoscopy essential.

Cost Estimate

Accurate estimate can be obtained from hospital while visiting the doctor.

Related Conditions

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Phone: 05226664444

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Dr. Ashok Kumar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

  • MCh - SGPGI
  • FRCS
  • FACS
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What is hemicolectomy?

Hemicolectomy is an operation to remove one side of the colon (large intestine) together with its blood supply and lymph nodes. A right hemicolectomy removes the right side of the colon, including the caecum and appendix; a left hemicolectomy removes the left side. The two healthy ends are then joined (anastomosis).

Common reasons for surgery

  • Colon cancer, or polyps that cannot be removed through colonoscopy
  • Crohn's disease affecting the end of the small intestine and right colon
  • Diverticular disease with repeated attacks or complications
  • Bowel obstruction, bleeding or injury

Tests before surgery

Colonoscopy with biopsy, CT scan of the chest and abdomen for cancer staging, blood tests including CEA (a tumour marker), and an anaesthesia assessment. You may be given bowel preparation and advice to follow an enhanced recovery programme.

How it is done

Hemicolectomy is often performed by laparoscopic surgery through small cuts, with one slightly larger cut to remove the bowel. Open surgery is used when needed. The operation usually takes two to four hours. Most patients do not need a stoma, though occasionally a temporary one is made for safety.

Recovery

  • Enhanced recovery: early walking, early eating and good pain control
  • Hospital stay is usually three to seven days
  • Bowel habits may change for a few weeks and generally settle
  • Avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks
  • Return to desk work in two to four weeks

Possible risks

Risks include leak from the join, bleeding, wound infection, temporary slowing of the bowel (ileus), blood clots and hernia at the wound later.

Frequently asked questions

Will I need a bag?

Most patients having hemicolectomy do not need a stoma.

Will I need chemotherapy?

For colon cancer, the need for chemotherapy depends on the stage found in the final report, especially whether lymph nodes are involved.

Will I be able to eat normally?

Yes. Most people return to a normal diet within a few weeks.

Related pages

Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.