What is a colectomy?

A colectomy is a surgical procedure involving the excision of part or all of the colon, which is a vital part of the large intestine. This procedure is often performed to treat conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other bowel obstructions. There are different types of colectomy, including partial colectomy (where only a segment of the colon is removed) and total colectomy (where the entire colon is removed).

Understanding the significance of this procedure highlights its role in managing serious gastrointestinal conditions and underscores the importance of colon health in overall well-being. The incorrect options relate to different surgical procedures that do not involve the colon: the excision of the gallbladder pertains to cholecystectomy, surgical fixation of the bladder involves procedures like cystopexy, and plastic surgery of the ear refers to otoplasty.