Surgical procedure to remove a portion of the large intestine and connect, or resect, the healthy ends of the bowel

Preferred surgical technique for localized bowel cancer, but not for widespread carcinoma, which usually requires massive resection and a temporary or permanent colostomy or an ileostomy

Unlike the child undergoing total colectomy or more extensive surgery, the child undergoing simple resection and anastomosis usually retaining normal bowel function

Helps to treat localized obstructive disorders, including diverticulosis, intestinal polyps, bowel adhesions, and malignant or benign intestinal lesions

Also performed to treat traumatic bowel injuries and ulcerative colitis that’s refractory to medical therapy

Whenever the situation permits, arrange for the child and his parents to visit the health care facility before he’s admitted for surgery.

Provide an age-appropriate explanation of why the surgery is being performed, and encourage the child and his parents to ask questions.

Reassure the child that he won’t wake up during surgery, but that the physician knows how and when to wake him up afterward.