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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Take out 5' of my colon plus my lymph nodes?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Take out 5' of my colon plus my lymph nodes?
by gerry t, Apr 28, 2005 12:00AM
The Dr. wants to take out 5 ft. of my colon and remove my lymph nodes. My surgery is 5/4/05.
I have a 1" to 1-1/2" inbedded polyp located in the middle of the ascending colon. The Polyp has been tested benign. The Dr. says the Polyp could have some cancer cells because only a small part of it has been tested. Is this standard patice? What do you think?
I have a 1" to 1-1/2" inbedded polyp located in the middle of the ascending colon. The Polyp has been tested benign. The Dr. says the Polyp could have some cancer cells because only a small part of it has been tested. Is this standard patice? What do you think?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 30, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 30, 2005 12:00AM
5 ft of colon seems like a lot - I think he meant 5 inches. It is possible that a polyp that size can contain cancer cells. Since surgery is being considered, it was not able to be approached endoscopically.
In general, removing that small of the colon should have no long-term effects on nutrition (although I would discuss this with your surgeon prior to the procedure). It is a good idea to remove a polyp of that size because of its cancer potential in the future. You can certainly discuss this with a second opinion if there continues to be questions.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
In general, removing that small of the colon should have no long-term effects on nutrition (although I would discuss this with your surgeon prior to the procedure). It is a good idea to remove a polyp of that size because of its cancer potential in the future. You can certainly discuss this with a second opinion if there continues to be questions.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)
by surgeon, Apr 28, 2005 12:00AM
The entire colon is only 5' long, so maybe he meant 5." When any portion of colon is removed, some lymph nodes come out with it. You'll have hundreds left, so there's no downside. How to handle a polyp depends on its shape: if it has a stalk like a mushroom, then it's not usually necessary to take a section of colon with it: it can be taken via a scope. Since they weren't able to do that, I assume it's flat with a broad attachment to the inner surface of the colon, in which case it's often necessary to remove a section of colon to get the whole polyp out. You can have half the colon removed and still usually have normal bowel movements and normal nutrition. There ought to be no long-term after effects, and removing a polyp that size is generally a good idea, because of the chance of developing cancer later.
by mom37620, Sep 09, 2009 08:14PM
A related discussion, can a large colon resection cost liver enzimes go up was started.
