Colectomy
In Singapore

Colon diseases, such as colon cancer, can lead to debilitating symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of serious complications. Through colectomy, patients may experience relief from symptoms, improved overall health, and a decreased likelihood of future complications. Don’t wait—consult our colorectal specialists today for personalised treatment plans.

Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min
Senior Consultant General Surgeon

What is A Colectomy?

A colectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the colon to treat various colon diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis. The primary goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve bowel function, and prevent complications, making it suitable for patients diagnosed with severe colon conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatment options.

 

Who Should Go For A Colectomy?

In Singapore, it’s recommended for patients opt for colectomy when they’re suffering from or at high risk of colon cancer. Generally, conservative treatments are considered first but if they show no improvements, colectomy may be the next step.

 

Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your specialist promptly:

  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Significant changes in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Severe constipation unresponsive to treatment
  • Chronic diarrhoea unresponsive to treatment

How To Prepare For Your Colectomy

  • Preparing for a colectomy is an essential step towards a successful procedure and recovery. Discuss any medications or supplements you’re currently taking with your surgeon, as certain medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before the surgery.
  • Your surgeon may prescribe a bowel cleansing regimen to clear your colon before the procedure, which could involve a liquid diet and laxatives.
  • Abstain from eating or drinking for a specific period, typically 8-12 hours, before surgery as instructed by your surgeon.
  • Plan for transportation home after the surgery and have someone available to assist you during your initial recovery period.

What To Expect

Undergoing a colectomy can be a daunting experience, but knowing what to expect can help alleviate anxiety.

Before your colectomy, expect to undergo preoperative tests, bowel preparation, and anaesthesia consultations. During the procedure, you’ll be under general anaesthesia while the surgeon performs the colectomy using either a laparoscopic or open surgery technique. Immediately after, you’ll be closely monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital ward for further observation.

In the days following the surgery, you’ll receive pain management, dietary guidance, and activity restrictions, with follow-up appointments scheduled to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min

Senior Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Jonathan Foo has expertise in managing various General Surgical and Colorectal conditions. He excels at advanced endoscopic, open and minimally invasive (“key-hole”) techniques, as well as robotic surgery.

Dr Foo is a specialist Colorectal surgeon with comprehensive training in other minimally invasive(laparoscopic) General Surgical conditions such as hernia repair and gallbladder surgery.

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, NUS) 2002
  • MRCSEd (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) 2007
  • MMed (Master of Medicine in Surgery) 2008
  • Further Advanced Training At the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Unit in Portsmouth, UK

Dr Foo firmly believes that every surgical procedures must be customized to the individual in order to achieve an optimal outcome for his patients.

Read Full Bio

Risks & Complications

While colectomy is generally a safe procedure, there are still potential risks and complications. Your doctor will discuss these with you prior to any treatment:

Infection: There’s a risk of infection at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity.

Bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur during or after the procedure.

Damage to nearby organs: There’s a possibility of accidentally injuring surrounding organs or structures.

Anastomotic leak: A leak at the site where the bowel is reconnected may occur, potentially leading to infection or abscess formation.

Blood clots: The formation of blood clots in the legs or lungs is a potential risk associated with any surgical procedure.

Adhesions: Scar tissue may form, causing organs to stick together and possibly leading to bowel obstruction.

Bowel dysfunction: Some patients may experience changes in bowel function, such as diarrhoea or constipation, after the surgery.

Colectomy Cost In Singapore

The cost of a colectomy can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:

Type of surgery

Laparoscopic colectomies may have a higher cost than open surgeries due to the advanced equipment and specialised techniques involved.

Surgeon's experience

More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees for their expertise and skill.

Hospital or surgical centre

Costs can vary based on the facility, with private hospitals typically charging more than public institutions.

Insurance coverage

Your insurance plan may affect the out-of-pocket expenses you’ll need to cover, depending on the extent of your coverage.

Additional services

Additional tests, consultations, or post-operative care may influence the overall cost of the procedure.

Find pain relief, improve bowel function, and lower the risk of future health problems with colectomy.

Consult our colorectal surgeon for a proper diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.

Make An Enquiry

Our clinics are under the following

insurance panels

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

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    Colectomy In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    What happens when you have a colectomy?

    A colectomy involves the surgical removal or repair of a diseased or damaged portion of the colon, with the remaining healthy bowel reconnected to restore function.

    Is a colectomy a serious surgery?

    Yes, a colectomy is considered a major surgery, but it is generally a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon and is often necessary to treat various colon diseases.

    Can you eat normally after a colectomy?

    Most patients can eventually return to a normal diet after colectomy, although some dietary modifications may be necessary during the recovery period, and in some cases, long-term adjustments may be required.

    What is the difference between colectomy and colostomy?

    A colectomy is the surgical removal or repair of a portion of the colon, whereas a colostomy is a procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen for the colon to bypass the damaged area, allowing waste to exit the body through the stoma into a colostomy bag.

    What problems can occur after a colectomy?

    Potential problems after a colectomy include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby organs, anastomotic leak, blood clots, adhesions, and bowel dysfunction such as diarrhoea or constipation.

    How painful is colectomy?

    Pain levels vary among individuals, but effective pain management is provided during recovery to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible following the surgery.

    What organ is removed in a colectomy?

    During a colectomy, a portion of the entire colon (large intestine) is removed or repaired, depending on the specific condition being treated.

    Is a colectomy permanent?

    A colectomy can be either permanent or temporary, depending on the extent of the colon removed and the underlying condition. In some cases, the colon may be reconnected, while in others, a permanent colostomy may be necessary.