About Colon Replacement Surgery
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and certain genetic conditions.Eliminates the source of chronic symptoms like pain, bleeding, and diarrhea.Significantly reduces or eliminates the risk of colon cancer in high-risk patients.Can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy) for less pain and scarring.Aims to restore near-normal bowel function and improve overall quality of life.May allow patients to discontinue long-term medication regimens./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Ulcerative colitis unresponsive to medical therapy.
- Crohn's disease with complications like strictures, fistulas, or severe inflammation confined to the colon.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) to prevent inevitable cancer development.
- Colon cancer, particularly hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
- Toxic megacolon, a life-threatening complication of IBD.
- Severe diverticulitis with complications like perforation or fistula.
- Colonic inertia or severe chronic constipation unresponsive to other treatments.
- Trauma or injury to the colon that cannot be repaired.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT scan), and colonoscopy.
- Bowel preparation (bowel prep) with a clear liquid diet and laxatives to empty the colon.
- Discussion and planning for possible temporary or permanent ostomy, if needed.
- Pre-operative counseling with a stoma nurse (enterostomal therapist).
- Adjustment or cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for several hours before surgery.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the new connection), which is a serious complication.
- Bowel obstruction due to scar tissue (adhesions).
- Damage to nearby organs like the bladder, ureters, or small intestine.
- Pelvic nerve injury potentially affecting bladder or sexual function.
- Pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch) in patients with ileoanal anastomosis.
- High stool frequency or incontinence, especially in the initial recovery period.
- Nutritional deficiencies due to reduced absorption in the shortened bowel.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay of 5-10 days with close monitoring in a surgical ward.
- Pain management with IV and later oral medications.
- Gradual progression from IV fluids to clear liquids, then to a soft, low-fiber diet.
- Early mobilization (walking) to prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
- Care of the surgical incision(s) and any drains or tubes.
- For patients with a temporary ileostomy, learning stoma care from a specialist nurse.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, bowel function, and nutritional status.
- Gradual return to normal activities over 6-8 weeks, avoiding heavy lifting initially.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization of bowel function
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering colon replacement surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for colon replacement surgery in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform colon replacement surgery. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for colon replacement surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization of bowel function | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization of bowel function | Know More |
Top hospitals for Colon Replacement Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing colon replacement surgery.
Sara Kumar, a 42-year-old high school...
Sara Kumar, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had been struggling with severe Ulcerative Colitis for over a decade. Her life was dominated by debilitating abdominal cramps, urgent and bloody diarrhea up to 20 times a day, and profound fatigue. Despite trying every available medication, from steroids to advanced biologics, her disease remained relentlessly active, leading to malnutrition and frequent hospitalizations. Her gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon finally recommended a total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (J-pouch surgery), explaining it was her only chance at a medication-free, normal life. Sara was terrified of the multi-stage surgery and the prospect of a temporary ileostomy bag. The first surgery to remove her colon and create the pouch was grueling, and adjusting to the stoma was emotionally and physically challenging. However, after the second surgery to reconnect her system, her recovery was transformative. The constant pain and urgency vanished. Six months post-final surgery, she has her life back, she can teach full days, play with her kids, and enjoy meals without fear. Her emotional journey was from a state of chronic despair and loss of identity to one of profound gratitude and reclaimed vitality.
General surgeons for Colon Replacement Surgery
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform colon replacement surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore