Colon Surgery

Colon surgery is a procedure that removes some or all of your colon, which is the last section of your gastrointestinal tract. Jon Williams, MD, is a skilled and experienced surgeon at Slim Vegas Bariatrics & General Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, who performs colon surgery using the most advanced tools and techniques. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, call or book online today.

What is colon surgery?

Colon surgery, also called a colectomy, is a procedure that removes a portion or all of your colon. Your colon makes up the last section of your gastrointestinal tract. It removes fluids and any remaining nutrients from food waste. 

Who needs colon surgery?

Many health conditions affect the colon and may require surgical intervention. You may need colon surgery if you have:

• Colon cancer
• Precancerous lesion
• An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Bowel obstruction
• Diverticulitis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Dr. Williams at Slim Vegas Bariatrics & General Surgery is a highly skilled and experienced general surgeon. Before making any treatment recommendations, he does a thorough history and evaluation to fully understand your condition. 

He uses the information he gathers during your evaluation to determine if surgery makes the right choice for you and the type of colon surgery you need. Dr. Williams spends time talking to you about his findings and recommendations so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What are the types of colon surgery?

The type of colon surgery you need depends on your diagnosis. Types include:

Total colectomy

During a total colectomy, Dr. Williams removes the entire colon. He then attaches the end portion of your small intestine to the rectum. 

Partial colectomy

For a partial colectomy, Dr. Williams only removes a piece or section of your colon. A hemicolectomy (removing one side of your colon) and sigmoid colectomy (removal of the sigmoid colon) are examples of partial colectomies.

Proctocolectomy

Proctocolectomy is a partial colectomy in which Dr. Williams removes a portion of your colon and some -- or all -- of your rectum.

What happens after colon surgery?

Dr. Williams customizes your colon surgery and reviews the details at your pre-surgical visit. Colon surgery is a major procedure he performs using general anesthesia, so you’re asleep during surgery.

He may use minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery when removing your colon to minimize incision size, post-surgical pain, and recovery time. However, in some cases, he may perform a traditional open colon surgery, making a large incision through your abdominal wall to remove your colon.

Recovery time following colon surgery varies, and you may need to spend a day or two at the hospital. Some people resume their normal activities in a few days, while others may need a few weeks to recover.

For expert colon surgery care, call Slim Vegas Bariatrics & General Surgery or schedule an appointment online today.