What To Expect After Colon Resection Surgery

Patients with cancer, Crohn’s Disease, a bowel obstruction, bleeding, diverticulitis, or ulcerative colitis may require a colon resection surgery to reduce pain and enhance their quality of life. If you, or someone you know, is scheduled for this type of surgery, read further about what to expect after colon resection surgery.

Performing A Colon Resection

A colon resection is a surgery to remove a portion of the colon which is damaged or diseased, and reattach the remaining part of the digestive system so the body can remove waste.

Colon resection can be performed two ways: via open surgery or laparoscopy. With open surgery a single large abdominal incision is made to perform the operation, whereas with laparoscopic surgery four or five small incisions (¼ in) are made. A tiny camera is inserted through one of the openings and Hope Surgical can watch on an enlarged screen the image of the internal organs as they perform the surgery.

Not all patients can have their colon resection performed via a laparoscopic technique.

Regardless of the type of surgery, patients must remain in the hospital until the bowels are functioning and working normally.

Recovery After Colon Resection Surgery

Expect to stay in the hospital several days to a full week. Patients cannot have any solid foods at first and only receive intravenous nutrients to aid in the recovery of the intestines. Clear liquids are then introduced as the healing progresses. Hope Surgical will instruct you when you can begin solid foods.

Expect you will be sore at the incision(s) and weak for the first one to two weeks. It will take approximately six weeks for full recovery from colon resection surgery.

Advantages Of Laparoscopic Surgery

There are a number of advantages to having laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery including the following:

• There will be less postoperative pain
• There may be a shorter time in the hospital
• Faster return to bowel function
• Faster return to normal activities

The decision to have laparoscopic surgery is based on the location and extent of the disease, your general health, and whether you have scarring from a previous surgery. Both types of surgery require general anesthesia.