Patient Resources

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Bowel resection for colorectal cancer

Anatomy of the colon and rectum

The colon and rectum and where they are in the body

slide 1 of 5

slide 1 of 5, Anatomy of the colon and rectum,

The colon and rectum are the last parts of the bowel (intestine). The bowel extends from the opening where food leaves the stomach to the opening where feces leave the body (anus). The bowel helps to process food, absorb nutrients and water, and get rid of waste.

Colon cancer site

Cancer in the wall of the descending colon

slide 2 of 5

slide 2 of 5, Colon cancer site,

Cancer is shown in a section of the descending colon.

Bowel section removed

slide 3 of 5

slide 3 of 5, Bowel section removed,

Resection is another name for any surgery that removes tissue or part of an organ. Bowel resection, also called partial colectomy, for colorectal cancer removes the tumor and part of the colon or rectum around the tumor. Both ends of the bowel section being removed are stapled and cut. Nearby lymph nodes, lymph drainage channels, and blood vessels are also removed.

Bowel reattached

Ways the cut ends of the colon may be reattached

slide 4 of 5

slide 4 of 5, Bowel reattached,

The remaining ends of the bowel are reattached, either end-to-end, side-to-side, or side-to-end.

Surgery scars

slide 5 of 5

slide 5 of 5, Surgery scars,

If you have laparoscopic surgery, you will have 3 to 6 small scars. An example is in the picture on the left. Your surgeon may make 1 or 2 of the small openings a little bigger to allow space to complete the surgery. If so, those scars will be a little longer than the others. If you have an open resection, you will have one long scar. An example is in the picture on the right.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.