Colon Resection

The colon is the large intestine; it is the lower part of your digestive tract. The intestine is a long, tubular organ consisting of the small intestine, the colon (large intestine) and the rectum, which is the last part of the colon. After food is swallowed, it begins to be digested in the stomach and then empties into the small intestine, where the nutritional part of the food is absorbed. The remaining waste moves through the colon to the rectum and is expelled from the body. The colon and rectum absorb water and hold the waste until you are ready to expel it.

A technique known as laparoscopic colon resection allows surgeons to perform many common colon procedures through small incisions. At OC Robotics, this approach may also be combined with robotic colon surgery for greater precision. Depending on the type of procedure, patients may leave the hospital in a few days and return to normal activities more quickly than patients recovering from open surgery.

In most laparoscopic colon resections, surgeons operate through 4 or 5 small openings (each about a quarter inch) while watching an enlarged image of you’s internal organs on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure.

Results may vary depending upon the type of procedure and patient’s overall condition. Common advantages of robot-assisted colon surgery include:

Less postoperative pain
May shorten hospital stay
May result in a faster return to solid-food diet
May result in a quicker return of bowel function
Quicker return to normal activity
Improved cosmetic results

Learn more about national standards for minimally invasive colon surgery from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Although laparoscopic colon resection has many benefits, it may not be appropriate for some patients. Obtain a thorough medical evaluation by a surgeon qualified in laparoscopic colon resection in consultation with your primary care physician to find out if the technique is appropriate for you.

Advance tests…

Advance tests…
Most diseases of the colon are diagnosed with one of two tests: a colonoscopy or barium enema. A colonoscope is a soft, bendable tube about the thickness of the index finger which is inserted into the anus and then advanced through the entire large intestine. A barium enema is a special X-ray where a white “milk-shake fluid” is flushed into the rectum and by using mild pressure is pushed throughout the entire large intestine. These tests allow Dr. Khosravi to look inside of the colon and determine whether colon resection surgery is required. Sometimes a CT scan of the abdomen will be necessary. Prior to the operation, other blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest x-ray might be required, especially for patients seeking colon surgery in Orange County.

Preparing for surgery…

•  Preoperative preparation includes blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an EKG depending on your age and medical condition.
•  After Dr. Khosravi reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, including options such as laparoscopic colon resection, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
• Blood transfusion and/or blood products may be needed depending on your condition. It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation.
• The rectum and colon must be completely empty before surgery. Usually, you must drink a special cleansing solution. You may be on several days of clear liquids, laxatives and enemas prior to the operation.
• Antibiotics by mouth are commonly prescribed. Dr. Khosravi or his/her staff will give you instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used, particularly for patients undergoing minimally invasive colon surgery.
• Follow Dr. Khosravi’s instructions carefully. If you are unable to take the preparation or the antibiotics, contact Dr. Khosravi.
• If you do not complete the preparation, it may be unsafe to undergo the surgery and it may have to be rescheduled.
• After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything except medications that Dr. Khosravi has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications) and Vitamin E will need to be stopped temporarily for several days to a week prior to surgery.
• Diet medication or St. John’s Wort should not be used for the two weeks prior to surgery.
• Quit smoking and arrange for any help you may need at home.

“Laparoscopic” surgery describes the techniques a surgeon uses to gain access to the internal surgery site and is commonly used in robotic colon surgery.

Most laparoscopic colon procedures start the same way. Using a cannula (a narrow tube-like instrument), Dr. Khosravi enters the abdomen. A laparoscope (a tiny telescope connected to a video camera) is inserted through the cannula, giving Dr. Khosravi a magnified view of you’s internal organs on a television monitor. Several other cannulas are inserted to allow Dr. Khosravi to work inside and remove part of the colon. The entire procedure may be completed through the cannulas or by lengthening one of the small cannula incisions, depending on the complexity of the colon resection surgery.

In a number of patients, the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or converting to the “open” procedure may include:

Obesity
A history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue
Inability to visualize organs
Bleeding problems during the operation
Large tumors

The decision to perform the open procedure is a judgment decision made by Dr. Khosravi either before or during the actual operation. When Dr. Khosravi feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety, even for patients seeking robot-assisted colon surgery.

After the operation, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Although many people feel better in a few days, remember that your body needs time to heal after colon resection surgery.

You are encouraged to be out of bed the day after surgery and to walk. This will help diminish the soreness in your muscles.
You will probably be able to get back to most of your normal activities in one to two weeks time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, working and engaging in sexual intercourse. Recovery time may be shorter for patients undergoing minimally invasive colon surgery.
Call and schedule a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks after your operation with your Orange County CA colon specialist.

These complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• A leak where the colon was connected back together.
• Injury to adjacent organs such as the small intestine, ureter, or bladder
• Blood clots to the lungs.
• It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications. Contact Dr. Khosravi if you notice severe abdominal pain, fevers, chills, or rectal bleeding.

Be sure to contact Dr. Khosravi if you develop any of the following after colon surgery in Orange County:

• Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C)
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Increasing abdominal swelling
• Pain that is not relieved by your medications
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Chills
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
• Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
• You are unable to eat or drink liquids.

1. What is colon resection surgery?

Colon resection surgery is a procedure to remove a diseased or damaged portion of the colon and reconnect the healthy sections to restore normal bowel function.

2. When is colon resection recommended?

It may be recommended for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, or severe bleeding that cannot be treated with medication alone.

3. What is laparoscopic colon resection?

Laparoscopic colon resection is a minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions and a camera to remove part of the colon, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

4. How is robotic colon surgery different from traditional surgery?

Robotic colon surgery allows the surgeon to operate with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control using robotic-assisted instruments while maintaining a minimally invasive approach.

5. Am I a candidate for minimally invasive colon surgery?

Eligibility depends on your medical history, diagnosis, and overall health. A thorough evaluation by a qualified colon surgeon is required to determine suitability.

6. How long does colon resection surgery take?

The procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the condition and whether laparoscopic or robotic techniques are used.

7. How long is the hospital stay after colon resection?

Most patients undergoing minimally invasive colon surgery are discharged within a few days, while open surgery may require a longer hospital stay.

8. What is the recovery time after colon resection surgery?

Many patients return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, although full recovery may take several weeks depending on the procedure and individual healing.

9. What are the risks of colon resection surgery?

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, leakage at the reconnection site, blood clots, or injury to nearby organs.

10. Will I need a colostomy after colon resection?

In most cases, a colostomy is not required. Your surgeon will discuss this possibility with you if your condition makes it necessary.

11. How should I prepare for colon resection surgery?

Preparation may include dietary restrictions, bowel cleansing, medication adjustments, blood tests, and imaging studies as directed by your surgeon.

12. Is colon resection surgery painful?

Postoperative discomfort is common, but pain is typically less with laparoscopic or robotic approaches and is managed with medication.

13. When can I eat normally after surgery?

Patients usually start with liquids and gradually progress to solid foods as bowel function returns, often within a few days after surgery.

14. What symptoms should I watch for after surgery?

Contact your surgeon if you experience fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, rectal bleeding, or signs of infection at the incision site.

15. How do I schedule a consultation for colon surgery in Orange County?

You can schedule a consultation by contacting the OC Robotics office to meet with a specialist and discuss treatment options based on your condition.