Right Hemicolectomy (Colon Cancer)

If you experience ongoing abdominal pain, changes in your bathroom habits, or unexpected weight loss, your doctor will want to investigate further. Sometimes, tests such as scans or a colonoscopy might detect an unusual growth in your colon. To treat this effectively and understand exactly what it is, surgery is often the best path forward. Your consultant may recommend a Right Hemicolectomy, which involves removing the right side of the colon. This is crucial for confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of any disease. Qualified surgeons specialising in gastrointestinal tracts perform the surgery, selecting the technique that best suits the patient's clinical profile and the location of the growth.

A Right Hemicolectomy is an operation that removes the right side of the large intestine. It includes the cecum and ascending colon. After the resection, the remaining ends of the intestine are reattached to restore the continuity of the digestive tract.

The surgery is standard treatment for cancers of the right colon, though it is also employed for complex non-cancerous ailments. A lymphadenectomy is also sometimes performed during the procedure to remove nearby lymph nodes. These are examined to determine if the cancer has spread, which is essential for accurate disease staging.

The surgical team may utilise one of the following techniques:

• Laparotomy (open surgery)
• Laparoscopy (minimally invasive)
• Robotic-assisted surgery

The final choice of technique is determined by the surgeon's assessment of the patient’s medical history and the tumour’s properties.

Medical professionals recommend a Right Hemicolectomy for conditions affecting the right colon that mandate surgical removal.

This procedure is commonly advised in situations such as:

• Cancer found in the cecum or ascending colon
• Large polyps that cannot be removed by colonoscopy
• Persistent bleeding in the right colon
• Blockages caused by a growth
• Inflammation affecting the right colon
• Growth types with a high risk of becoming cancer
• Biopsies showing the presence of cancer

This operation removes the affected area and nearby lymph nodes. These tests are used to plan your recovery and decide whether further treatment is needed.

Not every patient with bowel symptoms requires an operation. A Right Hemicolectomy is suggested only when it is the most appropriate course of treatment for the individual.

The procedure is usually considered for:

• Patients with a diagnosis of cancer in the right colon
• Individuals with complex polyps that cannot be removed by colonoscopy
• Cases where scans suggest a tumour in the right colon
• Those needing surgery to remove diseased colonic tissue
• Patients with a satisfactory overall health evaluation
• Situations where both treatment and diagnosis are necessary

The medical team makes this decision after reviewing colonoscopy findings, imaging, biopsy reports, and the patient’s overall fitness for surgery.

A Right Hemicolectomy is a routine procedure, but it may not be the best option for everyone.

The surgery could be postponed or changed if a patient:

• Has major heart or lung health risks
• Is medically unstable during the evaluation
• Has a widespread disease that may not benefit from surgery
• Needs treatment for an infection before surgery
• Cannot safely have anaesthesia

In such situations, doctors will first stabilise the patient or consider alternative treatments based on the individual case.

A Right Hemicolectomy is performed by a gastrointestinal surgeon, with support from the theatre team. The surgery occurs in a monitored operating room. Patients are informed about the procedure and its purpose before the date of surgery. Any concerns are discussed at this time.

Standardised preparation includes:

• Blood investigations and imaging studies
• Bowel preparation, if required by the surgeon
• Fasting for a period before the operation
• Reviewing regular medications and anticoagulants
• A general health assessment for anaesthesia

These steps are essential to ensure that the patient is medically prepared for the surgical intervention.

This surgery requires general anaesthesia, ensuring the patient is fully asleep. Incisions are made, and the right side of the colon is identified and detached from its surrounding blood supply.

The surgeon removes:

• The section of the colon with disease
• Surrounding soft tissue
• Nearby lymph nodes

To allow normal digestion, the bowel is reconnected after removal. The surgeon then performs a final check for bleeding before closing the skin. Most operations of this nature take a few hours.

After your operation, you will be monitored in a recovery area as you wake up. Most patients remain in the hospital for a few days.

During recovery, you may experience:

• Some pain around the surgical site
• Temporary changes in your bowel habits
• Tiredness for a short period
• A slow return of your appetite

To help your recovery, please:

• Start walking as soon as possible
• Follow the diet recommended by your team
• Take your prescribed medicines
• Keep your follow-up appointments

Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks. Your tissue results will guide any further care.

A Right Hemicolectomy is generally regarded as a safe operation when performed by skilled surgeons. Like any invasive procedure, however, there are risks involved.

Possible complications include:

• Bleeding during or after the procedure
• Infection around the surgical area
• A leak at the point of bowel reconnection
• A temporary pause in digestive activity
• Blood clots forming in the limbs or lungs
• An unexpected reaction to the anaesthesia

This surgery is an essential treatment for cancer and other disorders of the right colon.

The procedure can help to:

• Remove cancerous cells from the bowel
• Allow for accurate staging through tissue tests
• Relieve symptoms such as pain or bleeding
• Prevent the illness from advancing further
• Assist in planning future medical care

Timely surgical intervention often leads to greatly improved long-term health outcomes.

Gleneagles Hospitals offer Right Hemicolectomy as part of their advanced gastrointestinal surgical services. The procedure is performed by qualified surgeons who specialise in colorectal operations.

Facilities available include:

• Modern operating theatres and equipment
• Availability of keyhole surgical techniques
• Expert teams of surgeons and anaesthetists
• Postoperative care and medical monitoring
• Diagnostic and laboratory testing services
• Structured follow-up and recovery care

Before the surgery, patients receive clear instructions. During the recovery period, the clinical team provides close monitoring as part of standard patient care.

Right Hemicolectomy refers to the surgical removal of the right-hand part of the colon. This is a common treatment for colon cancer and involves removing the affected segment and lymph nodes. The intestine is then reconnected. A laboratory will examine the removed tissue to confirm the diagnosis and disease stage. This is a vital step in deciding if more treatment is needed. At Gleneagles Hospitals, this surgery is recommended to treat colon issues and ensure accurate clinical planning.