Large bowel (colon) surgery is indicated in benign and malignant conditions of the colon.
BENIGN CONDITIONS::
What is diverticular disease? Small and hard stools that are expelled with increased strain while passing can create weak spots in the wall of the intestine. These weak spots can develop into small sacs or pouches on the wall of the large bowel. The pouches are named diverticula.
What are the causes of diverticulosis? The risk of diverticulosis increases with age. As people age, the strength and elasticity of the colon walls can diminish, making them more susceptible to the development of diverticula.In addition chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements can lead to increased pressure within the colon, contributing to the formation of diverticula.
Diverticulitis : When remnants of food, mostly seeds are trapped in the diverticula, these can become inflamed due to bacterial invasion. Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the diverticula.
Common symptoms of diverticulitis
Complications can occur if diverticulitis is misdiagnosed or mistreated. These are the most common complications of diverticulitis:
Treatment can be conservative with oral antibiotics or surgical, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the health status of the patient.
What is acute appendicitis? Acute appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen.
Symptoms of acute appendicitis
The primary treatment for acute appendicitis is surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy. This procedure can typically be performed either through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Initial Management: intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and antibiotics to help prevent infection.
It's important for individuals to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms suggestive of appendicitis, as untreated appendicitis can lead to serious complications such as a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are key to preventing these complications and facilitating a speedy recovery.
COLON (LARGE BOWEL) CANCER
What is colon cancer?
Is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It usually develops slowly over several years, beginning as noncancerous growths called polyps that can eventually become cancerous.
Which are The following symptoms maybe present of large bowel cancer?
Colon cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages
But as it progresses, symptoms may include:
If colon cancer is suspected based on symptoms or screening results, further diagnostic tests may be performed, such as colonoscopy, biopsy (removal of tissue for examination under a microscope), imaging tests like CT scan or MRI, and blood tests to assess overall health and detect any abnormalities.
Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, and other individual factors. Common treatment options may include surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and nearby lymph nodes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Treatment plans are often tailored to each individual's specific situation.
A colectomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia to remove all or part of the colon.
An open colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the colon (large intestine) through a single, larger incision made in the abdomen. This traditional surgical approach is performed under general anesthesia. After removing the affected portion of the colon, the surgeon may perform an anastomosis, which involves reconnecting the remaining ends of the colon. This allows for the continuity of the digestive tract. In some cases, a temporary or permanent ostomy (bag attached on the outer surface of the body) may be created instead of reconnection, depending on the patient's condition and other factors. While open colectomy is effective in treating various colon conditions, it typically involves a longer recovery time and may result in more postoperative pain compared to minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted colectomy. However, open colectomy remains an important surgical option, particularly in cases where laparoscopic or robotic techniques may not be feasible or appropriate.
Laparoscopic colectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove part or all of the colon (large intestine) through several small incisions in the abdomen. Also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon makes several small incisions (typically 3 to 5) in the abdomen, each about half centimeter in length. These incisions serve as entry points for a camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments. The camera provides high-definition images of the inside of the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to visualize the colon and surrounding tissues. Using specialized long instruments inserted through the other incisions, the surgeon carefully dissects and removes the affected portion of the colon. After removing the affected portion of the colon, the surgeon may perform an anastomosis, reconnecting the remaining ends of the colon using sutures or staples. This allows for the continuity of the digestive tract. Once the necessary surgical steps are completed, the incisions in the abdomen are closed with sutures or staples. A sterile dressing may be applied to the incision sites. Laparoscopic colectomy offers several potential benefits over traditional open surgery, including: • shorter hospital stays • quicker recovery times • reduced postoperative pain.
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