Why is this procedure done?
The doctor removes part of your small bowel during this procedure. You may have all or just part of it taken out. Normally, the small bowel connects the stomach to your large bowel. As food passes through the small bowel, the body takes in nutrition. This procedure is done to treat problems like: ‚
- Bleeding
- Blockage in the bowel
- Cancer tumors or polyps
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Ulcers
In most cases, the doctor takes out the part of the small bowel with the problem. Then, the doctor puts the ends back together. Sometimes, the doctor removes a large amount of your bowel. Then, your doctor may need to bring one end of the small intestine out and attach it to your skin. The new opening in the skin is a stoma or ostomy. The procedure is an ileostomy. Talk to your doctor about what treatment you may need. ‚
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What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order lab tests or x-rays.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your 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.
- The colon needs to be cleaned out before this procedure. Your doctor will tell you to take drugs that will cause watery stools. These may be liquids, pills, or both.
- 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 IV 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 doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They may also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- This procedure may be done in one of two ways.
- Open surgery ¢ ˆ ’ A long cut will be made in the belly to remove part of the small bowel.
- Laparoscopic surgery ¢ ˆ ’ A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the bowels. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. To be able to view the site, gas will be put in the belly. Then, the affected area will be taken out.
- Most often, the healthy ends of the intestines will be stitched back together. Your doctor will close the belly wound with stitches and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 1 to 2 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 4 days.
- Within a day, 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 through your IV 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 food.
- Food and liquids will pass through your bowels more quickly if a large part of your small bowel is taken out. This can affect how your body takes in food and drugs.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Keep your stool soft
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding inside your belly
- Pain
- Infection
- Damage to nearby organs
- Ends of the bowel that are sewn together come open
- Scar tissue causes blockage of the bowel
- Short bowel syndrome
- Loose stools
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. ‚