Ileocolic resection and right hemicolectomy

Ileocolic resection and right hemicolectomy are surgical procedures that may be carried out for conditions such as bowel cancer or Crohn's disease.

These operations may be done as keyhole surgery where instruments are passed through small incisions, or open surgery where a bigger cut is made to access the digestive system.

Ileocolic resection

This procedure involves removing the diseased section of the terminal ileum - the last part of the small intestine - and first part of the colon. The tissue removed may be sent for laboratory testing.

This part of the digestive system is commonly affected by Crohn's disease, and the operation is a treatment option for some people.

Before closing up after surgery, a join is made between the small intestine and the rest of the colon using sutures or surgical staples.

This procedure takes around 2 hours and does not usually require a stoma waste tube and bag to be fitted.

No operation is without risks as well as the planned benefits. These will be explained before surgery goes ahead. For this procedure, these include blood clots, leaking in the bowel, and problems with getting the bowel working normally again.

A catheter will usually be inserted for the procedure and will stay in place for around 24 hours during recovery.

A drainage tube from the operation site may also be used.

Pain relief will be provided, and before being discharged from hospital, aftercare instructions will be given, and follow-up appointments made to check progress.

The stay in hospital will be around 2-7 days depending on whether the surgery was open or keyhole.

The person will also be told what to do in the event of problems or concerns after going home and when to resume activities, such as driving.

Right hemicolectomy

This procedure removes the right side of the colon and may be recommended for conditions including bowel cancer and Crohn’s disease.

A surgeon has to take away lymph nodes and blood vessels from the sections being removed.

A join is then made between the small intestine and the rest of the colon using sutures or surgical staples. The procedure takes around 2 hours.

A stoma waste tube is not usually needed after this operation.

Samples of the tissue that's been removed may be sent for laboratory testing.

Risks from this operation include blood clots, bleeding, infections and bowel leaks. The bowel may take some time to begin working normally again after the operation.

A catheter and wound drainage drip will usually stay in for around 24 hours during recovery.

Painkillers will be given and the hospital stay will be around 2-7 days depending on whether the surgery was open or keyhole.

Aftercare instructions will be given before leaving hospital with recommendations on when to resume various activities.

Details will also be given on what to do in the event of problems or concerns after going home, and a follow-up appointment should be made.