Colectomy
Colectomy (large bowel resection) removes all or part of the colon to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis and bowel blockage.
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About this Procedure
A colectomy, also called a large bowel resection, is surgery to remove all or part of the large bowel (colon). MedlinePlus explains that removing part of the colon is a partial colectomy, removing all of the colon but not the rectum is a subtotal colectomy, and removing both the colon and rectum is a proctocolectomy. Some lymph nodes may also be removed.
A colectomy is used to treat many conditions, including colon cancer, precancerous polyps, familial polyposis, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, a blockage caused by scar tissue, twisting of the bowel (volvulus), injuries to the bowel and severe bleeding from the large intestine. Symptoms that lead to investigation include changes in bowel habit, abdominal pain, bleeding and signs of blockage.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and can be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery through 3 to 5 small cuts), robotically or as open surgery through a larger incision. After the diseased section is removed, the healthy ends are usually joined together (an anastomosis). If this is not possible, the surgeon creates an opening called a stoma so stool drains into a bag, which may be temporary or permanent. MedlinePlus says you will usually be in hospital for 3 to 7 days, longer after emergency surgery or if problems develop.
Medwell arranges colectomy at partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, including BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, Paras Health, Gurugram and Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram. Your surgeon reviews your colonoscopy, biopsy and scan reports to recommend the type of colectomy and approach suitable for you.
Why travel for this procedure?
- Accredited partner hospitals
Colectomy is available at Medwell partners such as BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram and Paras Health, Gurugram. - Experienced surgical and GI teams
Colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeons at partner hospitals review your colonoscopy, biopsy and scan reports before you travel. - Shorter waiting times
Planned treatment can usually be scheduled without the long waiting lists patients face in some countries. - English-speaking teams
Doctors, nurses and coordinators consult in English, and Medwell can arrange an interpreter on request. - Medwell coordination
One team handles your free quote, visa invitation letter, hotel near the hospital and airport pickup.
Share your reports and get a free quote
Send Medwell your colonoscopy and biopsy reports, CT or MRI scans and blood test results. A partner surgeon reviews them and you receive a free personalised quote.
Travel to Delhi NCR and pre-treatment evaluation
In Delhi NCR you meet the surgeon for an examination and pre-operative tests, and you may be asked to follow a bowel preparation before surgery.
Colectomy, recovery and follow-up
After surgery you stay in hospital for several days while your bowel recovers and your diet is built up. Medwell supports your stay nearby and follow-up, including any stoma care guidance, before you fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a colectomy?
A colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the large bowel (colon). The healthy ends of the bowel are usually rejoined, but sometimes a stoma is created so stool drains into a bag. It can be done by keyhole, robotic or open surgery under general anaesthesia.
What conditions are treated with colectomy?
MedlinePlus lists conditions treated with a colectomy including colon cancer, precancerous polyps, familial polyposis, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel blockage from scar tissue, twisting of the bowel, bowel injuries and severe bleeding from the large intestine. Your surgeon confirms whether a colectomy is needed after reviewing your colonoscopy and scan reports.
How much does a colectomy cost in India?
The cost of a colectomy in India depends on the hospital, the extent of bowel removed, whether keyhole, robotic or open surgery is used, whether a stoma is needed, and the plan your specialist recommends after reviewing your reports, so Medwell does not publish a fixed price. Share your reports and Medwell will send a free, no-obligation personalised quote from partner hospitals such as BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi and Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, usually within 24 hours.
How long is the hospital stay after a colectomy?
According to MedlinePlus, you will usually be in hospital for 3 to 7 days after a large bowel resection. You may stay longer after an emergency operation, if a large amount of bowel was removed, or if problems develop. Clear liquids usually start by the second or third day, followed by thicker fluids and soft foods.
Is colectomy surgery safe?
A colectomy is major surgery, and most people who have a large bowel resection recover fully, according to MedlinePlus. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, a hernia at the incision, damage to nearby organs and a leak where the bowel is rejoined, which can be serious. Your surgeon will explain these risks and how they are monitored.
Which hospitals in Delhi NCR offer colectomy?
Medwell arranges colectomy at 4 partner hospitals in Delhi NCR (Gurugram and New Delhi):
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Paras Health, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram
Medwell helps you choose the hospital and surgeon that suit your diagnosis.
How do I arrange a colectomy in India with Medwell?
Share your colonoscopy, biopsy and scan reports with Medwell for a free, no-obligation personalised quote, usually within 24 hours. Medwell helps you choose a hospital and surgeon, books your consultation, provides visa invitation letter assistance and helps arrange flights, a hotel near the hospital and airport pickup, and stays in touch after you return home.