What is bowel resection

The goal of this surgery is to remove diseased sections of your large bowel. The large bowel is also known as the large intestine or the colon. During this surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased parts of your bowel and then reconnects the healthy parts.

Your surgeon may remove all or part of your bowel. During a colostomy , your surgeon moves one end of your large intestine to the outside of your abdominal wall and attaches a colostomy bag to your abdomen. When stool passes through your large intestine, it drains into the bag. The stool that goes into the bag is usually soft or liquid. A colostomy is often temporary.

During a new operation, your surgeon can then remove the colostomy. In some cases, however, the colostomy is permanent. There are also risks associated with general anesthesia. These include reactions to medication and breathing difficulties. You should include supplements such as vitamins and herbs. You should also inform them about any recent illnesses including any colds , flus , or herpes breakouts. You may need to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 12 hours before the surgery.

This will keep you asleep during the surgery. It will also keep you from feeling pain. Your surgeon may do a laparoscopic or open colectomy. In a laparoscopic colectomy, your surgeon uses a camera to get a clear view of your intestines. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.

This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor says it is okay. Pat the cut incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.

You may not have much appetite after the surgery. But try to eat a healthy diet. Your doctor will tell you about any foods you should not eat. Eat a low-fibre diet for several weeks after surgery.

Eat many small meals throughout the day. Add high-fibre foods a little at a time. Eat yogurt. It puts good bacteria into your colon and helps prevent diarrhea. Try to avoid nuts, seeds, and corn for a while. They may be hard to digest. You may need to take vitamins that contain sodium and potassium. Your doctor will tell you whether you should take any vitamins or supplements. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Choose water and other caffeine-free clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.

Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again.

Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Take pain medicines exactly as directed. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. The doctor made a large cut, called an incision, in your belly to take out part of the intestine.

How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.

Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You will probably need to take 3 to 4 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

You may need to take off 4 to 6 weeks if you lift heavy objects in your job. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor says it is okay.

Pat the cut incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex. You may not have much appetite after the surgery. But try to eat a healthy diet. Your doctor will tell you about any foods you should not eat.

Eat a low-fibre diet for several weeks after surgery. Eat many small meals throughout the day. Add high-fibre foods a little at a time. Eat yogurt. It puts good bacteria into your colon and helps prevent diarrhea. Try to avoid nuts, seeds, and corn for a while.

They may be hard to digest. You may need to take vitamins that contain sodium and potassium. Ask your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.

If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again.