Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hemicolectomy?

Surgical removal of a segment of the colon(large intestine) is known as Hemicolectomy. The colon is a tube-like part known as the large intestine, at the end of the digestive tract. Hemicolectomy is done to treat or prevent diseases affecting the colon. Hemicolectomy can be Open Surgery and/or Laparoscopic Surgery.

What are the advantages of Hemicolectomy?

1. Helps in the prevention of Colon Cancer by removing the benign tumor.
2. Stops symptoms such as bleeding or colon blockage.
3. Treats severe inflammation or infection in case of Diverticulitis (infection in small pouches along the wall of the colon) or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
4. Can be done as preventive surgery for inherited genetic conditions which increases the risk of colon cancer.

What are the indications of Hemicolectomy?

Few indications of Hemicolectomy are as follows:   

1. Severe bleeding from colon
2. A blocked colon may require immediate total or partial Hemicolectomy
3. Colon Cancer
4. Diverticulitis
5. Crohn’s Disease
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
7. Ulcerative Colitis
8. Inherited genetic conditions like Adenomatous polyposis or Lynch Syndrome
   
   

What are the steps involved in Hemicolectomy?

1. Steps of Hemicolectomy depends on the type of surgery opted for.
2. After the administration of general anesthesia,  in Open Hemicolectomy, the doctor will make a big incision on the wall of the abdomen to visualize the colon.
3. In Laparoscopic Surgery, 3-4 small incisions are made near the navel. Surgical instruments will be placed in these holes
4. Then the surgeon will free the sections of colon, which are rectum, sigmoid colon, ascending and descending colon and transverse colon.
5. The affected area or the whole colon is removed and the surgeon will rejoin the ileum (part of the small intestine) to the rectum. This new connection is called Ileorectal Anastomosis (IRA).
6. After this, the part of the colon is removed by the surgeon through a bigger incision.
7. The operation is finished by checking IRA for any leaks through abdominal rinsing.
8. The incision sites are then closed with stitches or glue.

Who are the best surgeons/doctors to perform Hemicolectomy?

A certified and trained Gastroenterologist or a Colon and Rectal Surgeon or a General Surgeon who is well experienced in Hemicolectomy can perform this surgery.

What is the cost of Hemicolectomy?

Minimum cost for Hemicolectomy in Chennai starts from Rs. 38,950

Average expenses for Hemicolectomy in Chennai is approximately Rs. 67,941

Maximum amount to be paid for Hemicolectomy in Chennai rises upto Rs. 83,600  

Cost of Hemicolectomy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Severity of the condition
5. Post-surgical complications
6. Type of Hospital
7. The hospital room you opted for
8. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Is Hemicolectomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Hemicolectomy is a major surgery as it involves the removal of parts of the colon.

What are the risks and complications associated with Hemicolectomy?

1. Infection at the site of IncisionInjury to neighboring organs such as the bladder, small intestine or blood vessels
2. Leakage where the intestines are attached
3. Hernia
4. Clotting of blood in the legs and lungs
5. Internal Bleeding

How long does it take to complete Hemicolectomy?

Hemicolectomy takes up to 3-4 hours to complete depending on the type of surgery opted for.

What is the recovery time for Hemicolectomy?

Individuals who undergo Hemicolectomy may take up to 3-7 days to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Hemicolectomy?

The success rate of Hemicolectomy depends on the following factors: 

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Experience of the surgeon/doctor
4. Type of surgery or procedure performed

However, the success rate of Hemicolectomy maybe 60-75%.

Is Hemicolectomy Permanent?

Hemicolectomy is a permanent procedure as it involves total or partial removal of the colon.

What are the long-term results of Hemicolectomy?

There are fewer long-term results of Hemicolectomy, however, few are listed below:

1. Changes in urinary habits
2. Faecal Incontinence
3. Changes in food habits (intake of foods which are easy to digest)
4. Colostomy does not seem to affect the quality of life.

Can Hemicolectomy be detected in the future?

Hemicolectomy can be detected in the future due to the presence of scar tissues and the absence of a part colon.

What are the options if Hemicolectomy fails?

If Hemicolectomy fails the surgeon my recommend revision surgery.

What are the alternatives for Hemicolectomy?

Alternatives of Hemicolectomy are:

1. Total Colectomy
2. Partial Colectomy
3. Medical Therapy
4. Radiation Therapy
5. Ileorectal and Ileoanal Anastomosis