Right Hemicolectomy

This is an operation to remove the right side of the colon. It may be performed for patients with a colon cancer, or for certain non-cancerous conditions such as Crohn’s disease. In most cases the operation can be performed via a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgical technique.

What does the operation involve?

This operation can be performed as an open or laparoscopic (keyhole procedure). During the operation the right side of the colon and the last part of the small intestine are removed. This involves taking away the blood vessels and lymph nodes to that part of the bowel. The surgeon then re-makes the join (anastomosis) between the small intestine and the remaining part of the colon. The surgeon may use either sutures or special staples to make this join.
This type of surgery does not require the formation of a stoma i.e. ileostomy or colostomy.

If there are any special circumstances that mean that a stoma may be required the surgeon will discuss these issues beforehand.
The operation time may vary for this type of surgery but is usually around 2 hours.
The piece of bowel that is removed is sent to the pathology department where the pathologist carefully examines it. The results are usually available within two weeks of the operation.