Restorative Proctocolectomy

Protocolectomy, the removal of the colon and rectum, is necessary in serious cases of diseases which affect the whole large intestine (such as ulcerative colitis of polyposis) or in functional bowel disease. In the past this has necessitated leaving the small intestine open to the exterior, involving the use of a colostomy bag. Restorative proctocolectomy is a relatively new treatment whereby the surgeon removes the large intestine, then joins the small intestine to the anus, which is left in place. The advantage of this techniques is that allows the patient to maintain a fair degree of normal function.