Proctectomy

A proctectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part or all of the rectum. The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine, and it plays a crucial role in storing and eliminating waste from the body.

Types of Proctectomy

• Partial proctectomy: This involves removing only a portion of the rectum, usually to treat conditions such as rectal cancer or rectal polyps.
• Total proctectomy: This involves removing the entire rectum, and it is often performed to treat more extensive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Indications for Proctectomy

A proctectomy may be indicated for various conditions, including:

• Rectal cancer: to remove the tumor and prevent its spread
• Ulcerative colitis: to treat severe cases of this inflammatory bowel disease
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): to prevent the development of colorectal cancer
• Rectal polyps: to remove large or multiple polyps that cannot be treated with other methods
• Diverticulitis: to treat complications of diverticular disease, such as abscesses or fistulas

Surgical Techniques

There are several surgical techniques used for proctectomy, including:

• Open proctectomy: a traditional open surgery approach, where a large incision is made in the abdomen to access the rectum.
• Laparoscopic proctectomy: a minimally invasive approach, where several small incisions are made and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is used to visualize the rectum.
• Robotic-assisted proctectomy: a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic system to enhance visualization and precision.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with proctectomy, including:

• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Infection
• Adhesions or bowel obstruction
• Fecal incontinence or constipation
• Nerve damage or sexual dysfunction

Recovery and Follow-up

After a proctectomy, patients typically require several weeks to recover. They may need to follow a special diet, take medications to manage pain and prevent infection, and attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress.