Proctocolectomy is the surgical removal of the entire colon and rectum, leaving the small intestine disconnected from the anus. It is a major surgery performed by colorectal surgeons, though some portions, specifically the colectomy, may be performed by general surgeons; it was first performed in 1978 and has since become less invasive with better patient outcomes. The procedure is most commonly indicated for severe inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, and is the treatment of choice for familial adenomatous polyposis.
Facts
FAQs
Does proctocolectomy always mean living with an ostomy bag?
In ulcerative colitis the usual operation joins a pouch to the anus and the ileostomy is closed in a later stage.
Not always. For ulcerative colitis, the standard operation described in a surgical outcomes study is proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, in which a pouch made from the small intestine is joined to the anus. It can be done in two stages: the colon and rectum are removed and the pouch is made with a diverting ileostomy, and the ileostomy is closed in a later operation. In that approach the ileostomy is temporary. Whether a pouch is suitable depends on the patient and the surgeon's judgment.
Connections
Treats
Proctocolectomy, removal of the colon and rectum, can cure ulcerative colitis.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Proctocolectomy - Wikipedia
Lead paragraph
It was first performed in 1978
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proctocolectomy, lead section
Proctocolectomy is the surgical removal of the entire colon and rectum from the human body, leaving the patients small intestine disconnected from their anus.
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