Colon resection, also called a colectomy, is a surgical procedure used to remove a portion of the colon and reattach the remaining portions of the digestive system to allow the body to remove waste. There are many health issues that may require treatment with colon resection surgery.
Some conditions that may benefit from colon resection surgery include:. Colon resection may be performed as an open procedure or via laparoscopy. With laparoscopic colon resection surgery, small incisions are made through which a laparoscopic camera and surgical tools are passed to allow the surgeon to view and treat the colon without creating a large incision. The length of time needed to recover will vary based on whether an open or laparoscopic colon resection was performed laparoscopic colon resections generally have a shorter recovery combined with personal healing times.
Regardless of the type of colon resection surgery, patients will be kept in the hospital until bowel function returns, which may take several days to a week. Obtain a thorough evaluation by a surgeon qualified in laparoscopic colon resection in consultation with your primary care physician to find out if the technique is appropriate for your condition.
Most diseases of the colon are diagnosed with one of two tests: a colonoscopy or barium enema. A colonoscope is a soft, bendable tube about the thickness of the index finger which is inserted into the anus and then advanced through the entire large intestine. These tests allow the surgeon to look inside of the colon. In addition a CT scan of the abdomen may be necessary. A specialized cameral called a laparoscope a tiny telescope connected to a video camera is inserted through a cannula a narrow hollow tube like instrument.
At the beginning of the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a working space for the surgeon. Several other cannulas are inserted to allow the surgeon to work inside and remove part of the colon.
The entire procedure may be completed through the cannulas or by lengthening one of the small cannula incisions. In a number of patients the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. You may add Advil ibuprofen to your pain medication if you do not have any allergies or contraindications for taking it.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Right shoulder pain is common after laparoscopic surgery. This may be due to the gas used to inflate your abdomen. It will dissipate in a few days. Constipation is common after surgery. Taking pain medications such as vicodin or percocet also cause the bowel to move more slowly.
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 weeks, and your colon should start to function more normally. When a long piece of colon is removed, however, a faster transit time may be a permanent side effect of the surgery.
Nausea is common after surgery. Be sure to take your pain medication on a full stomach. Stick to a soft, bland diet for the first few weeks after surgery. If necessary, call your doctor for prescription medication to aid with nausea.
You will start a liquid-to-soft diet in the hospital. Continue this diet for the first 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. Refer to our handout on soft diet after Colon surgery.
In 4 to 8 weeks you will be recovered from surgery and back on a regular diet, but it is important to keep your colon healthy. This includes eating plenty of high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains throughout the day. You are likely to have pain that comes and goes for the next few days. You may feel like you have influenza flu. You also may have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated. This is common. 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.
But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:.
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems. Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional.
If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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