A colectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the colon (large intestine). The colon is a crucial part of the digestive system, and a colectomy may be performed for various reasons, including the treatment of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, or other conditions that affect the colon.

There are different types of colectomies, depending on the extent of the colon removed:

Total Colectomy: This involves the removal of the entire colon.

Partial Colectomy (or Hemicolectomy): This involves the removal of a portion of the colon, and the remaining parts are then reconnected.

Proctocolectomy: This involves the removal of both the colon and the rectum.