The colon, or large bowel, has three sides: the ascending colon (right side), the transverse colon, and the descending colon (left side).
COLECTOMY
The primary treatment for colon cancer is surgery. The part of the large bowel with cancer is removed, along with surrounding lymph nodes. Removal of the colon is called a colectomy. The remaining bowel is then joined together. Joining the bowel is called an anastomosis. When cancer is found in the ascending colon, the right side is removed. The colon is then joined to the small intestine
Right Hemicolectomy before surgery. The grey area shows the part of the bowel the surgeon will remove.
Right Hemicolectomy after surgery. The large bowel now is attached to the small bowel. At Cedars-Sinai, the majority of colon and rectal operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy). The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include less pain after surgery, faster return of bowel function, quicker healing, less scarring and fewer days in the hospital to recover. Laparoscopy, however, may not be suitable for all patients. Ask your surgeon if you are an appropriate candidate for minimally invasive surgery
