Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is the removal of all or part of your large bowel, also called the colon. Stool passes through the large bowel before leaving your body through the anus. This procedure is done to treat problems like: ‚
- Colon cancer
- Inflammatory intestinal diseases
- Intestinal blockage
- Trauma to the intestine
- Diverticular disease
- Precancerous polyps
- Hole in the bowel wall or dead piece of bowel
- Bleeding from the colon
What will the results be?
The health problem related to your colon will be treated. It will also lower the chance of its recurrence. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Two weeks before the surgery, eat high fiber foods and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of fiber. Whole grains and dried beans are other important sources of fiber.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will need to clean out your colon before this procedure. Your doctor will tell you to take drugs that will cause watery loose stools. These may be liquids, pills, or both.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order lab tests or x-rays.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. ‚
When you are asleep, the doctor puts a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They may also put another small tube in your nose that goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluids. You will have another tube in your bladder to drain urine. ‚
Your doctor will make a long cut in your belly. The affected part of the bowel will be removed. Based on how much of the bowel needs removed, your doctor will decide the best way to allow your body to get rid of stool. Your doctor may: ‚
- Connect the two healthy ends of your bowel together. Stool will be passed in the normal way.
- Connect your bowel to an opening in your stomach. This is called an ostomy. The stool will leave your body through this opening into a bag or pouch that is placed on your skin.
- Connect your small bowel to your anus. Stool will be passed in the normal way, but it may be more watery. You may have more bowel movements each day.
Your doctor will close your cuts with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages. The whole procedure will take between 1 and 4 hours. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 2 to 6 days. ‚
Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You will get drugs to help with your pain. ‚
You will start with eating clear liquids. Then, you will work up to a bland diet when you are able to tolerate foods. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Do not smoke. Ask your doctor about programs to help you quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet. Ask your doctor about a healthy diet to help you with this goal.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Relieve pain
- Replace nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
Talk to your doctor before taking any laxatives. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding inside your belly
- Pain
- Infection
- Damage to nearby organs
- The ends of the bowel that are sewn together come open
- Scar tissue causes blockage of the bowel
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-treating-surgery ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚