What is a Hemicolectomy? Why is it done? - Dr. Rajasekhar M R

Colectomy is removing the colon. “Hemi” is part of the colon. There is right Hemicolectomy and left Hemicolectomy. Colon consists of one portion called ascending colon, transverse coon, descending colon, which is on the left side, sigmoid coon and the left side, so if there are diseases affecting the right half of the coon or large intestine only that portion will be removed called as the right Hemicolectomy especially if it is malignant disease it is better to remove the whole part of that colon . That is how it is done. It is mainly done for cancer surgeries. Sometimes tuberculosis and other diseases affecting the colon, also we do right Hemicolectomy. Similar diseases if it is affecting the left side of the coon also called as descending colon and if we remove that and then again connect the transverse colon to the sigmoid colon, then that is called as left Hemicolectomy. So Hemicolectomy is only partial removal of the colon.