large intestine removal

What can I expect from having my large intestine removed; what is the least intrusive surgery.  Will there be a diet change, what about scarring, I am so worried about a large ugly, scar.  Cam anyone give me a heads _ up +++

[toosick13]

Google "removal of colon" or words to that effect.  www.coloncancerresource.com has some info.  It talks about open vs laprascopic surgery.  Are you talking about the entire colon, most of it, some of it....You may have a colostomy or ileostomy; an opening created in your abdomen to get rid of stool; a bag or pouch is placed over it to catch the waste.

[CalGal]

Queen, look for posts on this board by Morecambe. Those posts will give you a good idea of any changes that will result and dietary changes that should be implemented after the large intestine is removed. Depending upon the reason for why the large intestine is being removed, in many cases the end of the small intestine can be directly attached to the rectum avoiding the use of any form of bag.

[Morecambe]

To save you searching through all my postings in Medhelp, I'd suggest that you log on to:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

in which I recorded my experience of a total colectomy.

Regarding the question of scarring - you should ask your surgeon but I would imagine that the scars from a laparoscopically performed total colectomy are less noticable than those from a "complete opening of the abdomen/surgeon's hands inside the abdomen".

My surgery was the latter type and it did leave a scar which has faded over the years.  In my experience it is not easily noticed by "casual observation" but when undergoing (for instance) a heartbeat ultrasound by a specialist, then the specialist did say "oh - you have had abdominal surgery".

But, at the risk of stating the obvious, one does not undergo a total colectomy without good reason and the creation of a scar must surely be of inferior importance compared to the desirability of the surgery??

Do come back if you have any further questions.

regards
Morecambe
  

[mammo]

If they are doing the surgery in 2 steps, then you will have a colostomy which allows your waste to exit into the bag while you heal.  After 2-3 months they go back in and reconnect everything. Most doctors are doing this procedure in one step now. You will have an internal pouch called a J Pouch.  This is connected to your small intestine and acts as your colon.  At first what you will notice most, is the many BM's, but time helps with this as well as Immodium.  After awhile you will learn which foods make them more frequent, other than this you eat what you want and as much as you want.  You will have a normal life afterwards, and once you body adapts.  If you are having "key hole" surgery, you will only have a few small scars.  If they are opening you up, then you will have one large scar.  It fades with time, and you shouldn't let it bother you.  Your life is more important than a scar.  Take care.