Surgery and plastic How long does it take the colon to heal after resection?
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.
Is a colon resection a major surgery?
Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or the entire colon. Colectomy is a major surgery and may take up to four hours for completion. Colectomy is performed under general anesthesia and may require hospitalization for up to a week or more.
How many hours does colon surgery take?
Colectomy usually takes between 1 and 4 hours.
What are the side effects of a colon resection?
Side effects of a bowel resection include:
- pain.
- fatigue.
- bleeding.
- blood clots.
- diarrhea.
- constipation.
- bowel obstruction.
- infection.
What foods should you avoid after colon surgery?
Avoid nuts, seeds, chunky peanut butter (Creamy peanut butter is okay.), tough meats, fried foods (french fries, fast food), beans, peas, hot dogs, sausage, strong flavored cheeses, coconut, raisins, and desserts with nuts or raisins.
What can I expect after colon surgery?
When will my bowel function return to normal? Many patients who have colon cancer surgery find that it temporarily changes the way their bowel functions. You won’t be required to have a bowel movement before being discharged from the hospital, but you should have a bowel movement within a few days of returning home.
How painful is colon resection surgery?
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 have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated.
How serious is bowel resection surgery?
As with all surgeries, bowel resections come with certain risks or possible complications. They include: Infection: Your surgical wound can become infected. You may also get an infection in the lungs (pneumonia) or urinary tract.
How long before you can drive after colon surgery?
A: You can usually drive one week to ten days after you leave the hospital. Q: When can I go back to work? A: You can usually go back to work three to four weeks after surgery.
What are the best foods to eat after colon surgery?
We recommend eating 6 times per day, or every 2 to 3 hours. Eat foods that are easy to swallow and digest. These usually consist of soft, moist foods such as soup, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt. Avoid gummy foods such as bread and tough meats, as well as spicy, fried, or gas-producing foods.
What should I wear after colon surgery?
Wear comfortable, loose clothes. C-PAP/BiPAP equipment – empty all of the water from the equipment before packing. Your favorite brand of sugarless chewing gum – after surgery, you will be asked to chew gum to help your intestines get back to normal.
What can you eat before colon surgery?
Eating to Prepare for Surgery
- Thick soups, milk, milkshakes, ice cream, cheese, pudding, smoothies, and yogurt.
- Eggs, chicken, lean red meat, and fish.
- Peanut butter, nuts and nut butters, dried fruit, and granola bars.
Do you lose weight after colon resection?
It is normal to lose some weight after this surgery. Soon it will level off and slowly you will start to regain some of the weight you lost. Try to have a good calorie intake to keep up your energy. Your bowel actions may change after your surgery.