A bowel resection typically takes 1 to 4 hours, but the exact time varies significantly based on the complexity, whether it's open or laparoscopic (keyhole), and the section of bowel (small or large) being operated on. More complex cases or procedures like a proctectomy might take longer (e.g., 4-6 hours), while simpler resections can be quicker, with most taking a few hours.
This section will be cut free and removed. If there is enough healthy intestine left, the free ends of the intestine are joined together. After surgery, abdomen incisions are closed with stitches. Bowel resection surgery usually takes between 1 and 4 hours.
Any bowel resection is major surgery and comes with certain risks and complications. They include: Bleeding inside the belly. Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Following colon resection surgery, you should plan to be in the hospital between three to five days. Once you pass gas, the surgical team will usually clear you to return home. After surgery, you will be restricted from lifting heavy objects for six to eight weeks to avoid the development of a hernia.
You are likely to have pain that comes and goes for the next few days after bowel surgery. You may have bowel cramps, and your cut (incision) may hurt. You may also feel like you have the flu. You may feel tired and nauseated.
Your treatment team will encourage you to walk the day after the surgery. Avoid heavy lifting (more than 3–4 kg) for about 4–6 weeks. A physiotherapist will teach you breathing or coughing exercises to help keep your lungs clear. This will reduce the risk of getting a chest infection.
Colectomy carries a risk of serious complications. Your risk of complications is based on your general health, the type of colectomy you undergo and the approach your surgeon uses to perform the operation. In general, complications of colectomy can include: Bleeding.
10 Foods to Avoid After Bowel Resection Surgery
About 1 in 5 people who have colon surgery might need to stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This shows how important it is to know why someone might go to the ICU after surgery.
In most laparoscopic colon resections, surgeons operate through 4 or 5 small openings (each about a quarter inch) while watching an enlarged image of the patient's internal organs on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure.
You should feel better after 1 to 2 weeks and will probably be back to normal in 2 to 4 weeks. Your bowel movements may not be regular for several weeks. Also, you may have some blood in your stool. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover.
Doctors often remove one-third of the colon during surgery to ensure that they remove all of the cancer. They will also take a sample from the lymph nodes and test it to determine whether the cancer has spread.
Depending on which part of the intestine is diseased and how healthy the rest of the intestine is, the surgeon may need to do a colostomy or an ileostomy after a bowel resection. A colostomy creates an opening from the colon to the outside of the body through the abdominal wall.
If you have had laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, you should wait at least 2 weeks before you start to drive. If you have had open surgery with a large incision, it will be 4 weeks. In both situations you would need to be able to perform an emergency stop without feeling discomfort.
Before your bowel surgery we need your bowel to be as empty as possible. This gives the surgeons doing your operation a clear view of the large bowel (colon). We will give you a box of Moviprep® bowel preparation to clean out your bowel. This contains four sachets of Moviprep® (two labelled A and two labelled B).
Patients with 'light' occupations (such as office work) may be able to return to work approximately three weeks after surgery. However, if your work is physically demanding, you may need to stay off for 4–6 weeks.
Your stay in hospital will be shorter (3–5 days) than if you had an open operation (10–12 days) You will be able to resume your usual activities in 2–3 weeks and your usual diet the day after laparoscopic colorectal surgery—patients who have an open operation usually take a little longer to get back to normal.
Laparoscopy is usually performed as a day stay basis, but an overnight stay may be required if the surgery is complex or lengthy. If a bowel resection or partial bowel resection is performed, your hospital stay may be extended by several days.
After your surgery you will be encouraged to get dressed in your normal clothes when you are able to. This may be after a couple of days. Please try to ensure you have some comfortable clothes to bring in with you. Jogging bottoms or leggings and a t-shirt or casual shirt are ideal.
Risks of bowel surgery
As with any major operation, surgery for bowel cancer has risks. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby organs, or leaking from the joins between the remaining parts of the bowel. After the operation, you will be carefully monitored for any complications.
Red Flag: Severe Abdominal Pain
Severe abdominal pain after colon surgery is a big warning sign. It could mean a serious problem that needs quick help. This pain is a red flag that should not be ignored. It might mean you have an that needs immediate medical care.
Things to bring with you to the hospital:
An up to date list of all medication, vitamins and herbs you take. Two (2) packs of chewing gum. If you are not able to chew gum, bring hard candies to suck. Personal items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, mouthwash, deodorant, lip balm, and hand cream.
Colorectal surgeons have completed general surgery training and then undergo additional training through fellowship programs focusing on conditions affecting the lower digestive tract.
Level 5 surgery involves highly complex and risky procedures. Examples include cardiothoracic surgeries and major organ transplants. Understanding surgical complexity is vital for risk assessment. Level 5 surgeries require highly skilled medical professionals.