A resection is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of a diseased organ or tissue. Colon resection, or colectomy, removes all or part of the large intestine. A rectal resection removes a portion of your rectum. Surgeons perform resections to treat many conditions, including cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Colectomy and Rectal Resections in Washington, D.C.
Doctors may first try to treat a colorectal disorder with lifestyle changes, medications and nonsurgical procedures. However, if these do not bring you sufficient relief, you may be a candidate for a colectomy or rectal resection.
Conditions we treat with colorectal surgery include:
Colectomy at MedStar Georgetown
If you need to undergo a colectomy, here is what to expect. During the procedure, your surgeon will:
- Place you under general anesthesia.
- Remove the diseased part of the large intestine.
- Reattach the two healthy sections of the colon.
- Close up the incision with stitches.
If your surgeon cannot reattach the healthy sections, because the disease was too extensive or the location made it difficult, then he or she will create a colostomy. A colostomy is a pouch that collects waste outside the body; it may be temporary or permanent.
Rectal Resection at MedStar Georgetown
Rectal resections, such as low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection, remove the diseased portion of the rectum. Performed under general anesthesia, you may require a temporary ostomy, an external pouch used to collect waste, while the area heals. At MedStar Georgetown, our surgeons strive to achieve sphincter-preserving surgery to avoid the need for a permanent ostomy.
Minimally Invasive Resection
At MedStar Georgetown, our surgeons are experts in all types of surgery, including the latest minimally invasive surgeries. Often, surgeons can perform colectomies and rectal resection procedures using a laparoscopic approach. Learn more about minimally invasive surgery at MedStar Georgetown.
Keep in mind that not every patient is a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. Our surgeons are experienced in performing all types of surgery, including traditional, laparoscopic and robotic, and your doctor will choose the surgical approach that will provide you with the best outcome.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for resection of certain early (T1) rectal cancers and neoplasms. Using a microscope and minimally invasive instruments, your doctor will perform the surgery through the anus. This avoids an abdominal incision and possible ostomy.
