Colon Surgery
Specialized care for conditions affecting the colon.
Removal of diseased colon tissue to restore function and prevent complications.
Colon Surgery Overview
Colon surgery removes a damaged or diseased section of the large intestine to treat cancer, inflammation, obstruction, and other colon conditions.
Depending on the diagnosis, the surgeon may remove part or all of the colon and reconnect the healthy sections. Our team reviews your symptoms, imaging, test results, medical history, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Colon & Anorectal Procedures We Offer
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Procedures May Include:
- Right colectomy
- Left colectomy
- Sigmoid colectomy
- Low anterior resection
- Rectal prolapse repair
- Hemorrhoid surgery
- Anal fissure surgery
The recommended procedure depends on the condition, its location and severity, and your overall health.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Colon polyps not removable during colonoscopy
- Diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Colon obstruction or twisting
- Persistent intestinal bleeding
- Hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Rectal prolapse
When Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery may be recommended when:
- Symptoms persist despite nonsurgical treatment
- Repeated infections or complications develop
- Colonoscopy cannot safely remove a growth or polyp
- Normal bowel function is disrupted by a blockage
- Bleeding continues despite other treatments
- Diseased tissue increases the risk of infection or perforation
- An anorectal condition affects comfort or bowel function
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, treatment recommendations are based on your diagnosis, the location and extent of the condition, previous treatment, and overall health. When appropriate, minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques may be used to remove the affected portion of the colon. Our team will explain the procedure, whether the healthy sections can be reconnected, and what to expect during recovery.
Have questions about colon surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Colon Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation may include nutrition counseling, medical testing, or a preoperative diet. Instructions vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Colon Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume eating according to your surgical team’s instructions, and begin walking immediately after surgery. Your diet may progress gradually as bowel function returns.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary abdominal soreness, bloating, fatigue, and changes in bowel movements are common during recovery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Persistent rectal bleeding
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- Separation of the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the general surgery provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colon resection surgery?
Colon resection, also called a colectomy, removes a damaged or diseased section of the large intestine. The healthy sections may then be reconnected. Clarus Surgery determines the extent of surgery based on the diagnosis, location of the condition, and amount of affected tissue.
How much of the colon is removed during surgery?
The amount removed depends on the location and extent of the disease. Surgery may remove a small section, a larger portion, or, less commonly, the entire colon. The Clarus Surgery team will explain the planned resection based on your imaging and test results.
How long does recovery take after colon surgery?
Recovery depends on the surgical approach, the amount of colon removed, and individual healing. Patients generally begin walking soon after surgery and gradually resume eating and daily activities. Clarus Surgery provides specific guidance for diet, driving, lifting, incision care, and returning to work.
Will I need a colostomy bag after colon surgery?
Not every patient needs a colostomy. In many cases, the healthy sections of the intestine can be reconnected. A temporary or permanent ostomy may be necessary depending on the diagnosis and location of surgery. Clarus Surgery will discuss this possibility before the procedure.
How will bowel movements change after colon surgery?
Bowel movements may temporarily become more frequent, less predictable, or looser while the digestive system adjusts. Changes depend on how much colon is removed and where the resection occurs. The Clarus Surgery team will provide dietary and recovery guidance based on your procedure.
