Surgery and plastic 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.
Why would you have a colon resection?
Bowel resection can be done for many diseases that affect the colon, such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease. The goal of bowel resection is to take out the part of the colon or rectum where the problem is.
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.
How long does it take to recover from a colon 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.
How many hours does a colon resection surgery take?
Colectomy usually takes between 1 and 4 hours.
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.
Do you need a colostomy bag after a bowel resection?
Most people who have a large bowel resection make a full recovery. You may have to use a colostomy bag temporarily. You may also need a permanent colostomy. A colostomy doesn’t usually prevent you from doing the activities you enjoy.
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 happens after colon surgery?
When you wake up after surgery, you will have some pain and will need pain medicines for a few days. For the first couple of days, you may not be able to eat or you may be allowed limited liquids, as the colon needs some time to recover. Most people are able to eat solid food in a few days.
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.
How painful is a bowel resection?
The doctor made a large cut, called an incision, in your belly to take out part of the intestine. 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.
How long after bowel surgery can you poop?
After surgery, your caregivers will frequently ask whether you have passed gas. This is because passing gas is a sign that your bowels are returning to normal. You may not have a bowel movement for four to five days following surgery.
How do you poop after surgery?
Constipation treatments to try after surgery
After surgery, you should also plan to take a stool softener, such as docusate (Colace). A fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil), may also be helpful. Purchase a laxative or stool softener before your surgery so that you have it available when you return home.
Can I sleep on my side after colon surgery?
Once the stoma area heals, you can start experimenting with your usual sleep position. If you’re a side sleeper and prefer lying on the same side as your stoma, this position shouldn’t cause any concern because your pouch will be supported by the bed.