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Colectomy

A colectomy, also called large bowel resection, is done to remove all or part of your large bowel.

The large bowel is also called the large intestine or colon.

Removal of the entire colon and the rectum is called a proctocolectomy.
Removal of all of the colon but not the rectum is called subtotal colectomy.
Removal of part of the colon but not the rectum is called a partial colectomy.

The large bowel connects the small intestine to the anus. Normally, stool passes through the large bowel before leaving the body through the anus.

Why the Procedure is Performed

Large bowel resection is used to treat many conditions, including:

A blockage in the intestine due to scar tissue
Colon cancer
Diverticular disease (disease of the large bowel)

Other reasons for bowel resection are:

Familial polyposis
Injuries that damage the large bowel
Intussusception (when one part of the intestine pushes into another)
Precancerous polyps
Severe gastrointestinal bleeding
Twisting of the bowel (volvulus)
Ulcerative colitis

Providers

Support Services

Cancer is a complex journey for patients and families. Before cancer, life had challenges; now they may seem insurmountable. The anxieties about health, keeping up with daily activities and maintaining important, critical relationship are common for all cancer patients and their families.

Our patient and family support services are here to help our patients so they know they have someone experienced to count on when they need it. We are here to make a difference—not just in your cancer outcome—but in the moments along the way, so you and your loved ones know there is always someone to help.

For an appointment with one of our counselors in the Cancer Patient Support Program or the Psychosocial Oncology Program, please call 336-713-6954.

For questions about the Cancer Survivorship Clinic, please call 336-713-1736.

Referring Physicians

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist we understand the importance of referrals. Our Physician Liaisons partner with referring physicians in our community and beyond to provide information on our physicians and clinical services. Full list of new physicians.

Contact the Physician Liaisons

Research and Clinical Trials

As part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, our patients have access to clinical trials—investigational treatments that help advance our understanding of fighting and curing cancer. Many of these trials are only available right here at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and our physicians and staff will help you decide if choosing that pathway to treatment is right for you.