Definition
Large bowel resection is surgery to remove part of your large bowel. The large bowel connects the small intestine to the anus. It is also called the large intestine or colon.
Other Names
Large intestine surgery; Colon resection; Resection of part of large intestine; Colectomy; Proctocolectomy
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Definition
Large bowel resection is surgery to remove part of your large bowel. The large bowel connects the small intestine to the anus. It is also called the large intestine or colon.
Other Names
Large intestine surgery; Colon resection; Resection of part of large intestine; Colectomy; Proctocolectomy
Recovery
Most patients will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery may take 2 months. During the first few days after surgery, eating is restricted.
Laparoscopic bowel resection for colon cancer may result in a faster recovery time than traditional open surgery.
Description
In most cases, your bowel is cleaned before the surgery with enemas and medication.
The surgery is performed while you are under general anesthesia. This means you are unconscious and pain-free. A cut is made in your abdomen. The diseased part of the large bowel is removed and the two healthy ends of the bowel are sewn back together (resected). The cut is closed. If the entire colon and rectum is removed, it is called a proctocolectomy.
A bowel resection may be performed as a traditional "open" procedure or as a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure .
To help your bowel heal, a temporary opening of the colon through the abdominal wall may be created. This is called a colostomy . The end of the bowel near the ...
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Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on the disease. Most patients have relief of their symptoms.
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Additional risks include the following:
- Bulging through the incision (incisional hernia )
- Narrowing (stricture) of the stoma
- Blockage of the intestine from scar tissue
- Leakage from the reconnection of the intestine
Some cases may result in the permanent need for a colostomy bag.
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