Colon Surgery
WHAT IS COLON RESECTION?
Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder. In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.
The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences. Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections. Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living.
In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.
Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections. A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.
After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated. Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery. Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation. Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery. Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.
When is a colon resection indicated?
Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder. In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.
Does the procedure cause major consequences?
The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences. Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections. Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living.
In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.
What is the preparation associated with colon resection?
Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be prepped and cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections. A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.
What can I expect after surgery?
After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated. Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery. Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation. Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery. Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.
When is a colon resection indicated?
Typically, prior to surgery, the colon may be evaluated with colonoscopy and/or imaging, to make a diagnosis of a benign or malignant disorder. In cases of malignancy, or benign colonic disorders which have failed medical management, patients may require colon resection for treatment or cure.
Wound care instructions and pain medication will be provided by your surgeon
Does the procedure cause major consequences?
The majority of patients tolerate partial colon resection with minimal physiologic consequences. Minor consequences are related to fluid absorption, which include temporary loose stools which can be managed medically with increased fiber and anti-motility agents until the body adapts. This may be more pronounced with larger resections. Laparoscopic colon resection is associated with lower rates of wound infection, use of pain medication, and quicker return to daily living.
In a small subset of patients, a colostomy may be required as a safety precaution, to allow the intestines and abdominal cavity to heal prior to reversing the colostomy and reconnecting the colon.
What is the preparation associated with colon resection?
Much like a colonoscopy, the bowel will need to be cleaned out prior to surgery to help reduce the rate of wound and abdominal infections. A mechanical bowel prep (ex. Golytly) combined with oral antibiotics is given the day before surgery in combination with intravenous antibiotics on the day of surgery to improve outcomes.
What can I expect after surgery?
After colon surgery, patients are typically in the hospital for 3-4 days waiting for return of bowel function and diet is tolerated. Patients are encouraged to be up and walking right after surgery. Pain control with narcotic pain medication may be indicated, but should be taken with a stool softener to prevent constipation. Follow up is typically surgeon specific, and specific to the indication for surgery. Long term, patients are encouraged to maintain a high fiber diet for colon health.
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