Bowel resection is a medical procedure that is used for the removal of the whole or some specific parts of the small and large bowel (intestines). Some conditions such as blockages, inflammations, intestinal bleeding, and infections demand bowel resection. It is also used for eradicating the great polyps or tumors formed in the intestine to prevent cancer. The length of the intestine that is to be removed is decided upon the medical reports of the patient. Some other options are ileostomy or colostomy. This s the formation of an opening in the abdomen, that allows the waste to leave the body.
What your surgeon can ask you?
Your surgeon will enquire about your current medication. He or she will decide whether you need to stop them or not and when you need to stop taking them. He will guide you about the drugs you should take on the day of your surgery.
The surgeon might give you an antibiotic thirty minutes before the surgery through the mouth or using your arm. This will avoid any kind of bacterial infection. You must foretell your surgeon if you are allergic to any specific antibiotic.
You may be asked to start taking blood-thinning drugs. These drugs help to keep the blood thin and avoid blood clotting in veins. You will be asked about any blood clotting or bleeding history.
You should tell your doctor about your medical issues such ad diabetes, bleeding issues, heart or kidney disorders.
You may be asked if you ever had any abdominal surgery before.
In case you are female then share with your doctor if you feel like you are expecting (pregnant).
How can you prepare for the surgery?
Your surgeon will guide you about the basic preparations before the surgery. You must arrange a person who could drive you home.
Dietary guidelines: You are advised to consume foods that will help in the cleansing and emptying of the bowel. You should take simple liquids such as gelatin, sugar-free fruit juices, simple soups.
You must not eat foods with high fibers and that is difficult to digest. For example Cereals, nuts m beans, fried foods, bread.
You should start drinking a lot of water.
Some tests such as x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and colonoscopy may be needed before the surgery.
What should you do one day before the surgery?
You must drink eight to ten cups of water during the daytime.
You should use an enema or any laxatives mixed with water to clear your bowel thoroughly.
In case of diabetes, consult with your doctor about the diet, before the surgery. If you are using any medicines he will also guide you about them.
What can happen during the surgery?
You will be given general anesthesia so that you can’t feel any pain. The surgeon will cut (incision) in the abdomen. He will use some specific tools for separating the diseased bowel from the healthy one. He will cut and bind many blood vessels. Then he will remove the complete bowel or some of its parts. At last, he will stitch the healthy and remaining parts together.
The tissues of your bowel will be transferred to the laboratory for testing. Lymph nodes can also be removed. The surgeon might use drains to remove the pus and the fluids. In the end, he will cover your wound with tape and bandages after stitching it.
What should you expect after the surgery?
You will be shifted to the restroom and once you are awake you will be taken to your hospital room. You will remain under observation for avoiding any complications. A healthcare expert will remove the bandage to have a look at your wound.
You will be allowed to walk with support, after the surgery.
Your PCP may advise some medicine to avoid nausea and pain. Blood-thinning drugs are also recommended to avoid blood clotting. Some medicines are allowed for avoiding constipation.
There are some chances that you might get into a condition termed postoperative ileus. This indicates that the bowel is not functioning normally after the surgery. It involves:
Nausea
Vomit
No gas
No bowel movements
Abdominal pain
Bloating
This condition may be there for few days. This issue may be solved by walking around with the help of care providers, this may ease the bowel movement. You need to consume only fluids and take medicines. You may also require a nasogastric tube (NG). This tube passes through the nose into the throat and is used for the passage of food.
You will be allowed to eat when you start hearing your bowel movements. In the case of ileostomy and colostomy, you are not allowed to eat solid foods for many days following surgery.
What are some common risks of bowel resection?
It might lead to some other issues that will demand more surgeries. It can damage your:
Stomach
Liver
Nerves
Blood vessels
Intestines
There might be excessive bleeding and contents of the bowel may leak down in the abdomen. You can also get an infection right after the surgery. There may a blood clot that can be fatal.
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