Most patients do not need a permanent stoma. A temporary stoma may sometimes be created to protect the new connection while it heals, and is reversed a few weeks later.

✦ MAJOR BOWEL RESECTION

Subtotal Colectomy

Q: Will I still pass stool normally?

Yes. With the rectum preserved, you will continue to pass stool through the natural anal opening, although you may have more frequent or looser bowel movements initially. This usually adapts well over a few months.

Q: How is recovery after subtotal colectomy?

Most patients are discharged in 5–7 days, return to office work in 4–6 weeks, and resume full activity in 8–12 weeks. Laparoscopic surgery offers faster recovery than open.

Q: Will my disease come back?

If the rectum is preserved, ulcerative colitis can occasionally recur in the rectum, requiring monitoring and treatment. For polyp syndromes, regular sigmoidoscopy is essential to detect new polyps in the rectum.

Surgical removal of most of the large intestine — performed for severe ulcerative colitis, slow-transit constipation, or select colon disease, preserving the rectum for natural function.

150–210 min PROCEDURE

5–7 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Weeks RETURN TO WORK

What is Subtotal Colectomy?

Subtotal Colectomy is the surgical removal of most of the large intestine while preserving the rectum, which is then connected to the small intestine (ileorectal anastomosis). It is performed for severe ulcerative colitis not responding to medical treatment, slow-transit constipation that has failed conservative measures, multiple polyps in select genetic syndromes, or certain colon cancers. The surgery can be done laparoscopically or open. As an experienced laparoscopic surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs subtotal colectomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with attention to safe technique and quick functional recovery.

Suitable for patients with severe medically refractory ulcerative colitis, severe slow-transit constipation, multiple polyps in genetic syndromes, certain colon cancers, or significant inflammatory bowel disease.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Preparation

Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The abdomen is prepared, and a urinary catheter is placed.

Laparoscopic or Open Access

For laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made for camera and instruments. Open surgery uses a midline incision.

Colon Mobilisation

The entire colon is carefully mobilised from its attachments, with attention to preserving important blood vessels and nerves.

Resection & Anastomosis

Most of the colon is removed, and the small intestine is connected to the rectum (ileorectal anastomosis) using staplers or sutures.

Closure & Recovery

The incisions are closed in layers. Patients are mobilised early, started on liquids, and discharged in 5–7 days.

Outcomes

150–210 minDURATION

5–7 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

8–12 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Definitive treatment for severe medically refractory disease
→Preserves the rectum for natural bowel function
→Avoids need for permanent stoma in most cases
→Laparoscopic option available for faster recovery
→Significantly improves symptoms and quality of life
→Eliminates risk of cancer in genetic polyp syndromes

Subtotal colectomy is a major operation, but for the right patient — someone who has suffered with severe ulcerative colitis or refractory constipation — it can transform daily life. Preserving the rectum lets us avoid a permanent stoma, which means a great deal to most patients.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still pass stool normally?+

Will I need a stoma?+

How is recovery after subtotal colectomy?+

Will my disease come back?+

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