Need for
Sigmoid Resection Surgery The sigmoid colon is a portion located at the
bottom of the large intestine which terminates at the rectum. The sigmoid
colon is S shaped and measures 18 inches (46cm). This sigmoid colon contracts
vigorously in order to expel the human
waste out
of the body via rectum.
When this sigmoid colon gets diseased, it should be removed. Sigmoid Colon
can be removed using Sigmoid Resection Surgery. The general reasons for
performing Sigmoid Resection Surgery are diseases such as cancer, diverticulitis,
intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, traumatic injuries, pre cancerous
polyps, hirshsprung’s disease and much more.
Types
of Sigmoid Resection Surgery
There are two types of Sigmoid Resection Surgery: (1) Open Surgery called
Colectomy (2) Laparoscopic Surgery which is of minimally invasive type.
Colectomy
Procedure for Sigmoid Resection Surgery:
In Colectomy Procedure for Sigmoid Resection Surgery, the patient is first
given anesthesia and made asleep. An incision is made at the lower midline
part of the abdominal wall. Then the surgeon will slowly reach the sigmoid
colon and remove the diseased portion of the colon. After removing the
sigmoid colon, the two ends are sutured before closing the incision.
If required,
the surgeon may create a temporary opening in to the abdominal wall skin
of the colon which is known as colostomy. This procedure maintains the
bowel continuity and preserves the stool’s normal passage. Finally,
a removable bag will be attached at the end of the stool to collect the
wastes. Mostly these colostomies are temporary and they may be closed
later during another surgery.
Laparoscopic
Procedure for Sigmoid Resection Surgery:
Laparoscopic Procedure is more advantageous than Colectomy due to less
post-operative pain, less hospitalization stay and quicker return to normal
activities. In this surgery the surgeon will make three to four very small
incisions at the abdomen. Then the surgeon will insert a thin telescopic
instrument known as laparoscope in the incision.
Abdomen will then be filled with gas, generally carbon dioxide in order
to see the abdominal cavity. After attaining an adequate view of the area
to be operated, the surgeon will dissect the colon and remove it. After
that the small incision made earlier will be closed. The earlier said
colostomy can also be performed as part of this laparoscopic surgery if
needed.
In general
the colon surgery will involve three maneuvers depending on the bowel
region and disease nature. They are: Colon retraction, Mesentery dissection
and Colon attachment divisions.
Risks
in Sigmoid Resection Surgery:
• Common infection, bleeding and blood clots as in other surgeries.
• Intestinal obstructions may occur because of scar tissue.
• Pneumonia, breathing problems, pulmonary embolism may occur.
