A hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a section of the colon, typically one half, which can include either the right or left side. This surgery is often performed to treat conditions such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis. After the affected portion is removed, the remaining sections of the colon are usually reconnected. Hemicolectomy can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's expertise.