You Be the Coder: Define Partial Colectomy Procedure by Reconnection

Question: What defines a low-pelvic anastomosis as opposed to a partial colectomy -- is it the coloproctostomy hook-up or the location below the peritoneal reflection that distinguishes the two?

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Answer: Partial colectomy describes the surgical removal of a colon section. The surgeon can reconnect the end(s) of the resected bowel in various ways, one of which is a coloproctostomy. Another name for coloproctostomy is "low-pelvic anastomosis," which involves suturing the resected end of the colon to the rectum.

In other words, a partial colectomy may include a low-pelvic anastomosis, or may involve a different method/location of attaching the colon following resection. The [...]

- Published on 2011-10-19