Colon & Colorectal Surgery

Conditions Treated

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form along the walls of the colon become inflamed or infected. While mild cases can often be managed with antibiotics and dietary changes, recurrent or complicated diverticulitis — including abscess formation, perforation, or fistula — may require surgical removal of the affected segment of colon (partial colectomy). The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) recommends individualized assessment rather than a fixed rule for when surgery is appropriate. Read more in our article: Diverticulitis: When Is Surgery Necessary?

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for localized colon cancer. The goal is to remove the tumor along with an adequate margin of healthy tissue and the regional lymph nodes for accurate staging. When performed by an experienced surgeon, minimally invasive colectomy for cancer has been shown to produce oncologic outcomes equivalent to open surgery with the added benefits of faster recovery.

Bowel Obstruction

A bowel obstruction occurs when the passage of intestinal contents is blocked, either by adhesions (scar tissue from prior surgery), a tumor, a hernia, or other causes. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. While some obstructions resolve with non-operative management, others require urgent surgical intervention to relieve the blockage and address any compromised bowel.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery does not cure Crohn's disease but is frequently needed to manage complications such as strictures, fistulas, or abscesses. For ulcerative colitis, total colectomy can be curative. Surgical planning for IBD is a collaborative process with the patient's gastroenterologist.

Complex Colon Polyps

Most colon polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. However, some polyps — due to their size, location, or pathology — cannot be safely or completely removed endoscopically. In these cases, surgical resection of the segment of colon containing the polyp may be recommended. This is an important step in preventing the development of colon cancer.

Surgical Approaches

Dr. Abbassi performs the majority of colon surgeries using minimally invasive techniques — either laparoscopic or robotic-assisted. The colon and pelvis are areas where robotic assistance is particularly valuable: the enhanced dexterity and three-dimensional visualization allow precise dissection in tight anatomic spaces.

The specific procedure depends on the location and nature of the disease:

• Right hemicolectomy — removal of the right (ascending) colon, commonly for tumors or disease in that region
• Left hemicolectomy or sigmoid colectomy — removal of the left colon or sigmoid, often performed for diverticulitis or left-sided tumors
• Low anterior resection — removal of the sigmoid colon and upper rectum with reconnection, used for certain rectal conditions
• Total colectomy — removal of the entire colon, most commonly for ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis

Recovery After Colon Surgery

Recovery from minimally invasive colon surgery is significantly faster than after open surgery. General expectations include:

• Hospital stay: typically two to four days for most minimally invasive colectomies
• Diet: a clear liquid diet is started in the hospital, advancing to solid foods as bowel function returns
• Return to normal activity: most patients resume routine daily activities within two to four weeks
• Full recovery: generally four to six weeks before returning to strenuous activity

When to Seek Evaluation

If you have been diagnosed with a condition requiring colon surgery — or if you are experiencing persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss — a surgical consultation with Dr. Abbassi at his Rockwall or McKinney, TX office can help determine the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a colostomy bag?

Most elective colon surgeries do not require a colostomy. The bowel is reconnected during the same operation. In emergency situations involving perforation or severe infection, a temporary colostomy may be necessary, but this is typically reversed in a subsequent procedure.

How long is the hospital stay after colon surgery?

For minimally invasive colectomy, the typical hospital stay is two to four days. Open surgery may require a longer stay.