Complications from a small bowel resection can include immediate risks like anastomotic leaks, bleeding, infection, and blood clots (DVT/PE), plus longer-term issues such as short bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea, hernias, and internal scar tissue (adhesions) causing blockages. Other potential problems involve damage to nearby organs, nutritional deficiencies (malabsorption), and ongoing bowel habit changes.
Bowel resection surgery is major because it's complex and risky. It removes a part of the intestine that's sick or damaged. Then, the healthy parts are joined back together. This is done for reasons like cancer, severe diverticulitis, or blockages.
Most patients recovering from a bowel resection return to normal activities within a few months. However, dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary depending on the underlying condition. Patients who had surgery due to inflammatory bowel disease or cancer may require ongoing medical management and follow-up care.
Your Recovery
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 influenza (flu). You may have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated.
If a large part of your small intestine was removed, you may have problems with loose stools and getting enough nutrients from the food you eat. If you have a long-term (chronic) condition, such as cancer, Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need ongoing medical treatment.
If part of the rectum was removed, there may be long-term changes in how your bowel works. The nerves and muscles that control bowel emptying may be affected. This may mean you cannot hold stools in your bowel as well as before. You may have less time to get to a toilet when you notice your bowel is ready to move.
You Cannot, Live Without Your Small Intestine.
The small intestine cannot be completely removed. Some patients may undergo surgery to remove some of their small bowel.
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.
Returning to normal may take a few weeks or months, depending on your body's healing power. Most patients feel much better after their diseased bowel is removed. They begin to gain back lost weight, eat better and have more energy.
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. Low anterior resection syndrome is a collection of symptoms or issues patients have after undergoing a resection or removal of part of or the entire rectum (last 6-8 inches of the large intestine with an anastomosis or “hook up” of the colon low in the rectum).
The small intestine is about 12 to 21 feet (about 4 meters) in length. If the middle part (jejunum) is removed, sometimes the last part (ileum) can adapt and absorb more nutrients. If more than about 3 feet (about 1 meter) of ileum is removed, the remaining small intestine usually cannot adapt.
Post-surgical fatigue can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. Generally, it may last from a few weeks to several months as your body recovers.
Start by going for short walks every day, gradually increasing the distance you walk. Most patients are able to get back to normal (including participating in sport or exercise) approximately 6–8 weeks after they go home. You should not go swimming until your wound is completely healed.
During a colectomy, an anesthesiologist administers drugs to help the patient fall asleep, stay asleep and feel no pain (called general anesthesia). The surgery itself may take up to four hours, and the patient may be in the hospital recuperating for two to seven days.
Diverticulitis pain feels like a sharp, constant cramp or ache, usually in the lower left abdomen, often accompanied by tenderness, bloating, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). The pain can start gradually or suddenly, may be intense, and might worsen after eating or ease slightly after a bowel movement, sometimes radiating to your lower back.
For pain control, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or intermittent morphine administration is appropriate. These can be transitioned to oral pain medications, such as oxycodone, acetaminophen, or ketorolac.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," Kate said. "However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
You may have these problems after you return home from the hospital: Pain when you cough, sneeze, and make sudden movements. This may last up to several weeks. Problems with greasy or bad smelling stools or diarrhea if a large section of your small intestine was taken out.
What is the most complex surgery to recover from? The most complex surgery to recover from can vary depending on the individual. Still, spinal fusion, shoulder replacement, and ACL reconstruction are often considered among the most challenging due to the lengthy recovery time and physical therapy required.
Possible complications associated with small bowel resection include: Bleeding in your intestines. Frequent diarrhea. Incision breaking open (dehiscence)
The most common complications include:
Anastomotic Leak Symptoms
The small intestine is about 12 to 21 feet (about 4 meters) in length. If the middle part (jejunum) is removed, sometimes the last part (ileum) can adapt and absorb more nutrients. If more than about 3 feet (about 1 meter) of ileum is removed, the remaining small intestine usually cannot adapt.
What are some common small bowel diseases?
Despite its name, your small intestine is the longest section of the gastrointestinal tract, measuring about 22 feet long.