“How long does a colectomy take?”

The time frame for a colectomy varies widely depending on the type of colectomy whether it’s partial, subtotal or complete, the approach to surgery whether it’s open or minimally invasive with small instruments or cameras, the reason for the colectomy such as malignant versus benign disease and patient characteristics such as size, prior surgeries and medical co- morbidities. Depending on all of the above situations your surgeon should be able to provide a reasonable estimate of time for the procedure barring any unforeseen circumstances. There are times when circumstances are found intra-operatively that are beyond their control which may prolong a procedure.