Background:

-Consists of performing a resection of the left colon. This surgery is performed usually by laparoscopy.

-In case of malignancy the resection involves lymphadenectomy with the ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein at their origins. A correct lymphadenectomy is very important for the oncological success of this surgery.

-In case of benign pathology, the most frequent being diverticular disease, the removed colon segment will respect the length of the associated area.

-In the event of a planned colectomy, an anastomosis is performed between in remnant colon and the rectum. In emergency setting, in selected cases, there is the possibility to perform a temporary colostomy in the left flank.

The postoperative attitude is the same regardless of whether the intervention consisted of ablation of the right colon or of the left colon.

• Day0-after the surgery, the oral alimentation with solid food is not authorized, only water.

• Day1- The patient is allowed to have a liquid or cream diet. The patient is also advised and helped to mobilize; the first mobilization will be carried out with an accompanying person (nurse or physiotherapist) to avoid vagal mechanisms which can produce a temporary loss of consciousness

• Day2- A blood sample is taken and if the result is satisfactory, the patient is authorized to have a light diet.

• Day3- If the patient resumed intestinal transit, and the light diet is supported the diet is extended. If the patient is in general good condition, the discharge can be authorized.

• Day4-I the control blood test showed abnormalities, a control blood test will be taken to monitor the dynamics of the abnormalities, especially the inflammatory syndrome. If the blood test is satisfactory, the discharge is authorized.

-The diet to be followed after returning home is low in fiber for 7 days.

Complications:

– Anastomotic leak- due to the problem of healing at the level of the anastomosis

– Hemorrhage- due to the vascular injuries during the surgery or in postoperative period due to the clip slippage on the mesenteric vessels.

– Ureteral injuries – usually in case of difficult dissection

– Prolonged ileus- due to an delay of the intestinal transit recovery that can need the placement of a nasogastric tube to aspiration and decompression of the digestive tube.