Life Expectancy and Outlook After Colon Resection Surgery

Understanding Life Expectancy After Colon Resection

A colon resection is a common surgical treatment for colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions affecting the large intestine. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and reattaches the healthy sections. Naturally, the first question many patients have after a colon resection is "what is my life expectancy now?" Here is an in-depth look at what factors influence life expectancy after colon resection surgery.

What is a Colon Resection?

First, let's briefly go over what a colon resection entails. As mentioned, it involves surgically removing the damaged part of the colon and stitching the cut ends back together. The amount of colon removed depends on how much is affected by disease. A partial colectomy removes a smaller segment while a total colectomy involves taking out the entire colon.

There are a few different types of colon resection procedures:

• Right hemicolectomy - removes a portion of the ascending colon
• Left hemicolectomy- removes a portion of the descending colon
• Sigmoid colectomy - removes the sigmoid colon
• Low anterior resection - removes the upper part of the rectum
• Proctocolectomy - removes entire colon and rectum

Recovering from a colon resection usually requires 4-6 weeks. Most people are back to their usual routines within 3 months. However, long-term prognosis can vary greatly depending on why the surgery was performed in the first place.

Colon Resection for Colon Cancer

When done to treat colon cancer, the goal of colon resection surgery is to remove cancerous tissue along with nearby lymph nodes. Once a section of the colon and lymph nodes are removed, they are sent to pathology to determine the cancer's stage. The stage, along with whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, gives key information about prognosis.

According to research, average 5-year survival rates by colon cancer stage are:

• Stage 1 - ~95%
• Stage 2 - ~87%
• Stage 3 - ~53-89%, depending on extent of lymph node involvement
• Stage 4- ~11%

However, these are averages based on large sample sizes. Many factors specific to each patient also impact overall life expectancy, including:

• The grade of the tumor (how abnormal the cells look under a microscope)
• Whether the entire tumor was able to be surgically removed
• The persons overall health aside from cancer
• Whether the cancer responds well to chemotherapy or other treatments

Colon Resection for Diverticulitis

A colectomy may also be performed emergency surgery for diverticulitis complications, like infection or rupture. In diverticulitis, small pouches called diverticula form and get inflamed or infected in the colon wall. This can sometimes lead to obstruction, bleeding, abscesses, or even full perforation/rupture if not treated properly.

For mild or moderate diverticulitis without major complications, antibiotics and bowel rest are used. But emergency surgery is needed if the colon perforates or develops a fistula. Elective surgery may also be an option after having recurrent bouts of diverticulitis.

In cases of complicated diverticulitis requiring surgery, studies show younger patients under age 50 have over a 90% 5-year survival rate. Survival beyond 10 years drops slightly but remains above 70%. The outlook is more guarded over the long term in older patients - 60% 10-year survival for those over age 70. Overall though, the vast majority can expect to make a full recovery and enjoy a healthy lifespan after surgery.

Colon Resection for Ulcerative Colitis

Some patients with severe ulcerative colitis that does not improve with medications will need surgery to remove the colon (total colectomy). Unlike the other scenarios discussed, this involves total removal of the entire colon and rectum rather than just a diseased portion.

In these patients, prognosis largely relates to the risk of pouchitis (inflammation) after an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery. This reconstructive procedure uses the ileum to create a pouch and attaches it to the anus so that patients may avoid needing a permanent ileostomy bag.

Approximately 50% of patients develop at least one episode of pouchitis during the 10 years after their j-pouch procedure. There is also a very small risk that dysplasia/cancer will arise in the ileal lining over time. Close endoscopic surveillance enables early detection and treatment in these rare cases.

However, the vast majority of ulcerative colitis patients who undergo total proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis live a full life without major complication. Studies show near normal long-term functional outcomes and quality of life.

Life After Colon Resection - What to Expect

As the survival rate statistics show, most people can expect to regain normal longevity after colon resection surgery. How one fares post-operatively has more to do with the severity of their original diagnosis and promptness of treatment rather than only the surgery itself.

Recovery Process and Ongoing Care

Recovery does take time and proper care. Patients need to allow 4-6 weeks for surgical healing and avoid overexertion during this period. Walking and other gentle activity is slowly increased over the first month. Aerobic exercise and lifting can typically be resumed after 6 weeks.

The long-term outlook requires preventative care and surveillance. Colonoscopy screenings continue on schedule to check for polyps or any new abnormalities. Some people may need blood tests, imaging scans, or exams to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.

Eating high fiber foods, staying active, not smoking or drinking excessively improves general health as well. Stay on top of other conditions present prior to surgery too like diabetes or heart disease.

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

Bowel habits, gas, diarrhea are common complaints after a colon resection or j-pouch procedure. Following a low FODMAP diet helps ease symptoms. Taking probiotic supplements also helps maintain healthy gut flora.

Ileus or temporary paralysis of bowel activity requiring hospitalization occurs about 15% of the time. But sticking to a low fiber/low residue diet initially decreases risk.

Later on, a high fiber regimen prevents constipation and diverticula formation which could lead to another diverticulitis attack. Beano or other enzyme supplements makes breaking down lignin, cellulose and beans easier too.

Outlook Moving Forward

Its understandable to feel concerned about life expectancy after major surgery. However, the long-term prognosis following colon resection or j-pouch procedure is generally very good. Key is treating the underlying condition promptly and properly to minimize lasting damage. Avoiding complications through careful post-op recovery care also preserves better intestinal function.

In most cases, people can expect to return to daily work, play, relationships and quality of life after theyve healed. The right mix of follow-up medical care, diet and lifestyle adjustments enables living life to the fullest once again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.