✦ PARTIAL COLON REMOVAL

Subtotal Colectomy

Q: How do I know if I need subtotal colectomy for constipation?

Subtotal colectomy is considered only after: (1) transit study proves severe slow-transit, (2) all dietary, laxative, and biofeedback treatments have properly failed, and (3) obstructed defecation has been excluded. Very few constipation patients require surgery.

Q: What are bowel movements like after subtotal colectomy?

After ileorectal anastomosis, bowel frequency increases - typically 3-6 times daily initially, settling to 2-4 times daily at 6-12 months. Loose stool frequency is managed with dietary adjustments and anti-motility agents.

Q: Is a stoma needed after subtotal colectomy for constipation?

For elective slow-transit cases, a primary anastomosis is created without a stoma in most patients. For emergency UC surgery, a temporary ileostomy is almost always formed to protect the anastomosis during recovery.

Q: Is subtotal colectomy for constipation available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad?

Yes - Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs laparoscopic subtotal colectomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for both elective constipation and emergency UC indications.

Surgical removal of most of the colon with ileorectal anastomosis - a definitive option for severe medically refractory slow-transit constipation, and a life-saving emergency procedure for acute severe ulcerative colitis.

Rare LAST RESORT

Laparoscopic PREFERRED

2-4 Days HOSPITAL STAY

Proven SLOW-TRANSIT ONLY

What is Subtotal Colectomy?

Subtotal Colectomy involves surgical removal of most of the large bowel - from caecum to sigmoid - with the ileum connected directly to the rectum (ileorectal anastomosis). It serves two distinct indications: (1) severe, medically refractory slow-transit constipation where all dietary, medical, and biofeedback treatments have failed; and (2) as an emergency procedure for acute severe ulcerative colitis not responding to intravenous therapy. Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs subtotal colectomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad laparoscopically where possible - as part of both the constipation surgery options in Hyderabad and ulcerative colitis surgery programmes. Extensive pre-operative physiological testing ensures only true slow-transit constipation is treated surgically - avoiding colectomy for functional or obstructed defecation causes.

Subtotal colectomy for constipation requires confirmed slow-transit on colonic transit study and failure of all medical and biofeedback treatments. Emergency subtotal colectomy for acute severe UC is performed on its own specific indications. Very few constipation patients ultimately require surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Colonic Transit Study Confirmation (for Constipation)

Radio-opaque marker transit study confirms severe slow-transit constipation - markers retained in the right colon at 5 days confirms the indication for surgery.

Laparoscopic Access

4-5 small laparoscopic port incisions. Laparoscopic mobilisation of the entire colon from caecum to sigmoid.

Colonic Resection

The terminal ileum is divided just proximal to the ileocaecal valve. The colon is removed to the level of the upper rectum.

Ileorectal Anastomosis

A hand-sewn or stapled anastomosis is created between the ileum and the upper rectum - restoring bowel continuity without a permanent stoma in most cases.

Recovery

Hospital stay 2-4 days. Accelerated recovery (ERAS) pathway minimises ileus. Normal activity in 3-4 weeks. Post-operative dietitian review included.

Outcomes

RareLAST RESORT

LaparoscopicPREFERRED

2-4 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

ProvenSLOW-TRANSIT ONLY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Definitive surgical correction of medically refractory slow-transit constipation
→Life-saving emergency procedure for acute severe ulcerative colitis
→Laparoscopic approach - small incisions, rapid recovery
→Eliminates the dysfunctional colon - resolves transit delay permanently
→Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for both emergency and elective indications
→Covered by most health insurance plans

Subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation is one of surgery's most impactful procedures - patients who have endured years of daily medication, distress, and multiple failed treatments are transformed in a way no conservative measure could achieve. Patient selection is everything.

— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How do I know if I need subtotal colectomy for constipation?+

What are bowel movements like after subtotal colectomy?+

Is a stoma needed after subtotal colectomy for constipation?+

Is subtotal colectomy for constipation available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad?+

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