About Proctocolectomy
Key Highlights
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Curative treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).Eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer in the removed bowel segments.Can be performed with ileal pouch creation (J-pouch) to preserve natural bowel route.Performed by specialized Surgical Gastroenterologists with expertise in complex GI anatomy.Often performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques for reduced scarring and faster initial recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Ulcerative Colitis refractory to medical therapy (steroids, immunomodulators, biologics).
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) to prevent inevitable cancer development.
- Colorectal cancer involving a large portion of the colon and rectum.
- Severe, life-threatening complications of IBD like toxic megacolon, perforation, or massive hemorrhage.
- Certain cases of Crohn's disease, though less common due to risk of recurrence in the small bowel.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including colonoscopy, imaging (CT/MRI), and blood tests.
- Detailed consultation with the surgeon, gastroenterologist, and possibly an ostomy nurse.
- Bowel preparation (clear liquid diet and laxatives) to empty the colon.
- Pre-operative nutritional optimization, possibly with supplements.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgical team.
- Marking of potential stoma site by an enterostomal therapist if an ileostomy is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and anesthesia complications.
- Injury to nearby structures like the small intestine, ureters, or nerves.
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the pouch or connection site).
- Pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch).
- Bowel obstruction due to scar tissue (adhesions).
- Changes in sexual function or fertility (particularly in women).
- For ileostomy: skin irritation, dehydration, or stoma-related complications.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 5-7 days for pain management, IV fluids, and monitoring for complications.
- Gradual advancement from clear liquids to a soft, low-fiber diet.
- Incision and/or stoma care education provided by nursing staff.
- Pain is managed with medications, transitioning to oral pain relievers.
- Slow increase in physical activity; heavy lifting is restricted for 6-8 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, manage diet, and adjust medications.
- For J-pouch patients, bowel frequency is high initially and gradually improves over months.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation and strength
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering proctocolectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for proctocolectomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, 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 proctocolectomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists 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 proctocolectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-7 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation and strength | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 5-7 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation and strength | Know More |
Top hospitals for Proctocolectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing proctocolectomy.
Angel Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Angel Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been battling severe ulcerative colitis since his late teens. Despite trying every available medication, including biologics, his symptoms, debilitating abdominal pain, urgent bloody diarrhea up to 20 times a day, and severe fatigue, had become unmanageable. He was severely underweight and had to take a medical leave from work. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy after a colonoscopy confirmed severe, medication-refractory pancolitis and pre-cancerous changes. Angel was terrified of the life-altering surgery and the stoma, grieving the loss of a 'normal' body. The surgery was complex but successful. After a challenging 5-day hospital stay learning stoma care, his recovery at home was slow but steady. Within three months, the constant pain and urgency were gone. He regained 15 pounds, returned to work, and could finally leave his house without fear. Emotionally, he moved from despair and fear to profound relief and a new sense of freedom. While adjusting to the ileostomy was difficult, he now views it not as a loss, but as the tool that gave him his life back.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Proctocolectomy
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform proctocolectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist