Segmental resection of colon

[Raiford]

My most recent findings following colonoscopy reveal a colon ulcer @ 45 cm. showing fragments of adenomatous mucosa consistent with tubular adenoma .  I'm told that I would benefit from segmental resection.
How will this effect my stool patterns which presently are formed and approximately 1 hr. post eating.
What change will be noted in nourishment of the body i.e. liver enzymes, etc.
I'm presently under VA care locally which makes it "affordable?" to me and am scheduled for a follow-up scoping by the surgeon to verify the above findings.
  I am also a 74 yr. old white male with Hx of rectal cancer on my maternal grandmother's side.
      Thank you for your help
        Ray

[Kevin Pho, MD]

As our surgical colleague has mentioned in his comments below, there should not be any major stool pattern nor nutritonal change after surgery.  The resection is not major and would leave much of the colon.  

Assuming no complications with the surgery, liver enzymes should not be affected as well.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

For the vast majority of people, a segmental resection of the colon has no long-term effects on the bowels at all: like most other organs, we have colon to spare. And it has nothing to do with digestion; the small intestine is where digestion occurs. The colon simply absorbs liquid so that we have solid bowel movements. For what you describe, probably only 1/5 of the colon would be removed; most people end up with normal BMs even if 1/2 is removed. Nothing is 100%, of course. It's possible you'd have a slight increase in the frequency of BMs, but not likely. And there should be no effect on your nutrition, or liver or other organs at all from the removal of a part of your colon. It's remotely possible to have effects from the anesthesia; such things are pretty rare, and if they occur, are not usually permanent.

[booker14]

A related discussion, after effects of bowel surgery was started.

[mtnenka60]

A related discussion, effects of colon removal was started.