Colon Resection

Colon resection is a procedure that removes part of your large bowel. The large bowel, also called the large intestine or colon, connects the small intestine to the anus. Colon resection surgery is performed to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticular disease, intestinal blockage, ulcerative colitis, traumatic injuries, precancerous polyps and familial polyposis. In many cases, your bowel is prepared before the surgery with antibiotics and/or oral medication. A cut is made in your abdomen and the diseased part of the large bowel is removed and the two healthy ends of the bowel are sewn back together. To help your bowel heal, a temporary colostomy may be created by opening a hole (ostomy) in the abdominal wall and connecting the colon to an external storage bag for collecting solid waste.