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Total abdominal colectomy - Overview

Alternative Names

Ileorectal anastomosis

Definition of Total abdominal colectomy:

Total abdominal colectomy is the removal of the large intestine from the ileum (lowest part of the small intestine) to the rectum. After it is removed, the end of the small intestine is sewn to the rectum.

Description:

You will receive general anesthesia right before your surgery. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain.

During the surgery:

Your surgeon will make a surgical cut in your belly. Then your surgeon will remove your large intestine. Your rectum and anus will be left in place.
Your surgeon will sew the end of your ileum to your rectum.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

The procedure is done for people who have:

Crohn's disease that has not spread to the rectum or the anus
Many colon cancer tumors, when the rectum is not affected
Severe constipation, called colonic inertia

Reviewed last on: 11/23/2010
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Cima RR, Pemberton JH. Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtranâ€™s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 113.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Coln and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.

Cunningham D, Atkin W, Lenz HJ, Lynch HT, Minsky B, Nordlinger B, et al. Colorectal Cancer. Lancet. 2010;375:1030-1047.

Scriver G, Hyman N. Ileostomy construction. Operative Techniques in General Surgery. 2007;9(1): 43-49.

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