Feline Megacolon Colectomy

Megacolon in the feline is an incideous disease that is extremely debilitating and frustrating, not only for the animal but the owner and treating veterinarian as well. Ongoing medical therapy is extremely stressful for the animal whether it is oral laxatives or repeated enemas and anesthesia for colonic clearance. Surgical removal of the colon can be very rewarding for all concerned. The colon is removed from the ileo-colic orifice to the proximal brim of the pelvis. The cranial rectal artery and vein are preserved and dissected free from much of the colon that is removed to insure good blood supply to the anastamosis. From a surgical stand point, it is best if colon is empty but this is never the case. It is much better if the feces are solid and not wet and soft from multiple enemas of oral laxative therapy. It is much easier to handle the surgical situation with solid dry feces in the colon.