Anton Bilchik Explains Colectomy

Anton Bilchik Explains Colectomy

Anton Bilchik MD performs many different surgical techniques in his role as one of the nation’s leading cancer surgeons. In his practice, he often performs colectomy, a surgical procedure used for the treatment of colon cancer. During this procedure, sometimes called a bowel resection, Dr. Bilchik removes part of the patient’s colon

Colectomy Surgery

The day before surgery, patients prepare their bowels by drinking special laxatives; some patients require enemas, as well.

Colectomy requires general anesthesia to put the patient into a deep sleep. Dr. Bilchik will then make an incision in the patient’s abdomen and remove the cancerous part of the colon, along with a segment of healthy tissue on either side of the tumor. Typically, the surgeon removes one-quarter to one-third of the colon, but he may remove more or less, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Anton Bilchik then reattaches the remaining sections of the colon so that the patient’s digestive tract will work somewhat normally. Colectomy often includes the removal of 12 or more lymph nodes.

Sometimes, colon cancer causes a hole in the intestine in a way that makes it impossible to reconnect healthy segments of colon to restore the normal digestive path. In these cases, Anton Bilchik may bring the end of the colon to the outside and attach a bag to catch stool. This procedure is a colostomy and it is usually temporary. Once the patient is healthier, the surgeon may reverse the colostomy and reattach the colon to restore the digestive tract.

After surgery, the colon needs time to recover, so patients do not eat for a few days after the procedure. Most patients require pain medications and intravenous fluids for several days. A colectomy rarely causes digestive problems, and Anton Bilchik MD reassures patients that they can return to a normal diet of solid food a few days after surgery.