COLONIC AND RECTAL SURGERY

The colon and rectum (large bowel) are affected by inflammatory and tumoral processes that may require surgery. The resulting bowel paralysis during the first 4-5 postoperative days is a cause of abdominal bloating and significant discomfort. A variety of measures are now taken to improve patient comfort without compromising safety:

Applying these measures selectively I have been able to reduce the length of hospital stay by one half during the last decade.

The rectum is the terminal portion of the colon situated directly above the anus. Because the rectum is sited deeply within the pelvis tumours at this level can be difficult to remove without sacrificing nerve structures and possibly the anal sphincter. Significant progress has been accomplished to increase curability whilst decreasing permanent disabilities:

colon2 

colon3

FIG: Minimally invasive colectomy; Source: I Pirlet N Mercier,JM Fabre Traitement chirurgicale des cancers du colon gauche EMC-Techniques chirurgicales-Appareil digestif 2013;8(4):1-10 Article 40-572)

 

FIG: Stapled anastomosis: connecting colon and rectum

FIG: Finished anastomosis before removal of stapler. Source: L de Calan,B Gayet,P Bourlier,T Perniceni Chirurgie du cancer du rectum par laparotomie et par laparoscopie EMC-Techniques chirurgicales-Appareil digestif 2004:1-30 Article 40-630

Colonic diverticula are very common in older patients. Diverticular inflammation (diverticulitis) occurs in a quarter of these and according to severity symptoms range from left lower quadrant pain to diffuse abdominal guarding and peritonitis.

Until recently diverticular peritonitis required a two-staged approach calling for urgent surgery and a colostomy followed 3-8 months later by a second major operation to restore intestinal continuity. Without increasing the risk for the patient I promoted a single stage operation that avoids the disability of a temporary stoma and the need for a second operation. This strategy has become popular because it also significantly reduces hospitalization time and costs.*

* Resection and Primary Anastomosis as an Alternative to Hartmann Procedure in Left Colonic Peritonitis, British Journal of Surgery

Diverticulose colique Dr Landen

Fig: Colonic diverticulosis

diverticulite stade avancé Dr Landen

Fig: Severe diverticulitis

 Dr Serge Landen - www.drlanden.be

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