What is Colon Resection?

The large intestine is very important part of the digestive system. It runs from the small intestine to the rectum made up of three portions; the ascending, transverse and descending colon. The ascending colon is sometimes referred to as the right colon; the descending colon is sometimes referred to as the left, or sigmoid colon.

Colon resection is a surgical procedure done to remove part of or the whole of the large intestine. During this procedure, the part of the colon that is diseased or damaged is removed and remaining part or section is then reattached.

There are two types of Colon Resection

    * Open surgery - This procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen and removing the diseased section of the colon. The healthy ends of the colon are stapled or sewn back together.
    * Laparoscopic surgery - In this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope has a tiny camera on the end to allow the surgeon to see the intestine. Other instruments are inserted into the incisions to remove the section of the colon. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique.