The colon, or large intestine, sits inside the abdominal cavity. It starts in the iliac region of the abdomen and continues across the width of the abdominal cavity. The colon then travels down the left side of the abdomen and ends at the anus.
One of the main functions of the colon is to regulate water levels in the body. The colon absorbs water from food. It also absorbs some vitamins and processes waste for expulsion from the body.
A hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a segment of the colon. A surgeon performs a hemicolectomy to treat colon cancer and bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or severe diverticulitis.
It can perform to Treat
Bowel and colon cancers
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn's disease
Polyps, or growths in the colon
Diverticulitis
Types of hemicolectomy
A hemicolectomy may involve removing a portion of the colon on the right or left side.
Right hemicolectomy: A surgeon removes the ascending colon. Afterward, they reattach the transverse colon to the small intestine.
Left hemicolectomy:A surgeon removes the descending colon before reattaching the transverse colon.
