Hemicolectomy – Left

The elimination of the left portion of the large bowel is known as left hemicolectomy. This type of left colectomy surgery is done for sigmoid colon and treatment of cancers in the left colon.

Colon removal procedure involves open left hemicolectomy. This is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves inserting a Foley catheter into the bladder for the appropriate measurement of urine output. Next, an orogastric tube is used to decompress the stomach. Once done, the entire abdomen is cleaned with a povidone-iodine antiseptic solution. Then, sterile draping is applied to get right access to the abdomen and also to the rectal area.

During the operation, the entire colon is adequately examined for any palpable lesions. Also, the liver surface is properly determined for metastatic lesions. At the time of colon resection surgery, the entire length of the colon is carefully resected.

Different approaches such as lateral approach and medial approaches are used during left hemicolectomy. The success rate of left colectomy surgery has increased over the years and more number of patients are now saved due to advancements in technology.