Colon surgery encompasses a variety of procedures to treat injuries or diseases of the large intestine or rectum, the collecting pouch for stool at the end of the colon. Infections, cancer, traumatic injuries, bowel obstructions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are among the common indications for colon surgery, also known as colorectal surgery. The type of operation performed depends on the nature and location of the colon abnormality. Most patients undergoing colon surgery experience a good outcome. Side effects and complications, however, remain a risk with any surgical procedure.
Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections pose a risk for people undergoing colon surgery. Many different types of bacteria normally inhabit the colon, or large intestine. During colon surgery, these bacteria may contaminate the abdominal cavity or organs, or the surgical skin incision. To reduce the risk of surgical site infection, patients undergoing elective colon surgery receive a preoperative colon cleanse and antibiotics during and after the procedure.
The risk of surgical site infection with colon surgery depends on several factors, including whether an infection is already present in the colon or abdomen; the duration and nature of the operative procedure; and whether the surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques or an open procedure. Patient-related factors that may increase the risk of surgical site infection include obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking and malnutrition, notes infection control specialist Suzanne Pear, R.N., Ph.D., in a 2007 article published in "Managing Infection Control."
Damage to Other Organs
Several organs and structures reside in the abdominal cavity along with the colon, including the small intestine, urinary bladder and ureters, the connecting tubes between the kidneys and bladder. In a small percentage of patients undergoing colon surgery, one of these structures may sustain inadvertent damage, notes MayoClinic.com. If the surgeon notices the damage during the operation, corrective repair can occur at that time. In some cases, the damage does not become apparent until after completion of the surgery. In such circumstances, a second operation typically proves necessary to repair the damaged organ or structure.
Sexual Dysfunction
Some patients undergoing colon surgery experience sexual problems after the operation. Surgeries involving the rectum generally pose a higher risk of postoperative sexual dysfunction compared to other types of colon surgery, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. For men with postoperative erectile dysfunction, oral medication or other erectile aids may help alleviate the problem. Psychological distress can also contribute to postoperative sexual dysfunction, especially among patients who require a colostomy--an opening in the abdominal wall through which stool passes into a collecting bag. Counseling for patients and their partners may help dispel distress and aid couples in overcoming physical and psychological barriers to satisfying sexual expression.
References
- "Managing Infection Control"; Patient Risk Factors and Best Practices for Surgical Site Infection Prevention; Suzanne M. Pear, R.N., Ph.D.; March 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Colectomy, Risks
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Colon and Rectal Cancers, Surgery
- Encyclopedia of Surgery: Colorectal Surgery
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons: Laparoscopic Colon Resection
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