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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How many hours does a colon resection surgery take?
Colectomy usually takes between 1 and 4 hours.
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 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 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.
When can I drive after colon surgery?
Most insurance policies state that you are not covered by your policy to drive for 6 weeks after major abdominal surgery. After this period of time, if you can safely perform an emergency stop without the pain of the operation preventing you from doing so, you should be safe to drive.
Is it normal to have diarrhea after colon surgery?
After having a portion of your colon removed, bowel problems can occur. The most common problems are diarrhea, constipation, excess gas production, and dehydration. These symptoms occur because the normal functions of the colon, such as absorbing fluid, have not yet returned to normal.
How do you stop diarrhea after colon surgery?
A stool softener, such as Colace, milk of magnesium, or prune juice may help. Diarrhea is also common after a colon resection. Your colon is shortened and therefore stool may pass at a faster rate. Give it time, approximately 6-8 weeks, and your colon should start to function more normally.
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.