Colon and Rectal Surgery | Atrium Health (2024)

FAQs

What are the long term side effects of colon surgery? ›

Changes to bowel function are among the potential long-term side effects of this type of surgery. The persistent diarrhea that your husband is experiencing is common. Additional symptoms can include dehydration, the production of excess gas and constipation.

The five-year relative survival rates for the open colectomy and National Cancer Data Base groups were 75 and 70 percent, respectively, for Stage I, 65 and 60 percent for Stage II, 46 and 44 percent for Stage III, and 11 and 7 percent for Stage IV.

Possible problems after bowel cancer surgery include a leak where the surgeon has joined the ends of your colon together, or your bowel not working properly. Other risks include infection, blood clots and bleeding. Many problems are minor but some can be life threatening. Treating them as soon as possible is important.

Problems during or shortly after the operation can include bleeding from the surgery, infections at the surgery site, and blood clots in the legs. When you wake up after surgery, you will have some pain and will need pain medicines for a few days.

After colorectal surgery, your main job is to heal.

While specific post-surgery practices vary by individual, most patients will be able to eat, drink, and move around the first day after surgery. Movement is important after surgery to reduce things such as blood clots, fluid in your lungs or pneumonia.

One of the most common problems after surgery is your bowel can shut down. It is called an ileus. This means food and gas have trouble passing through your intestines. If you do get an ileus, it usually lasts two to three days.

Recovery After Colon Resection Surgery

Colorectal Surgical Associates will instruct you when you can begin solid foods. Expect you will be sore at the incision(s) and weak for the first one to two weeks. It will take approximately six weeks for full recovery from colon resection surgery.

Surgery to the large bowel (colon)

Straight after surgery to remove part of your colon, your poo might be a bit looser and more frequent. But this usually settles down after a few weeks and medicines may help with some of the symptoms.

We recommend eating 6 times per day, or every 2 to 3 hours. Eat foods that are easy to swallow and digest. These usually consist of soft, moist foods such as soup, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt. Avoid gummy foods such as bread and tough meats, as well as spicy, fried, or gas-producing foods.

Before subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index decreased to 21.3 kg/m², a reduction of 8.5%. One month after subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index was at its lowest level of 20.8 kg/m², which represented a 10.7% decrease from the healthy weight.

Is colon surgery high risk? ›

Risks of bowel surgery

As with any major operation, surgery for bowel cancer has risks. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby organs, or leaking from the joins between the remaining parts of the bowel. After the operation, you will be carefully monitored for any complications.

It is normal to have some discomfort or pain at the surgical site for a few weeks after your surgery. The pain will vary with activity, but should decrease over time. Abdominal pain with mild cramps and bloating is also normal. This should improve slowly.

Fatigue is normal following surgery and should improve day after day as your body begins to heal itself. Some people have it worse than others due to age, health, and the type of surgery they had, but with time and proper care, most will be able to build up their strength and energy levels.

Strenuous exercise, pushing, straining or heavy lifting is to be avoided for at least 4 weeks. One can drive when comfortable but prolonged driving is to be avoided. You will be seen in office one week after surgery. Call the office for an earlier appointment if you have excessive pain or fever.

For the first four to six weeks after bowel surgery, we recommend that you follow a lower fibre diet (also known as a lower residue diet). These foods are easier to digest while your bowel is healing. After this period, you should gradually reintroduce higher fibre foods one small item at a time.

Recovery and Outlook

Recovery at home takes up to six weeks. Many people get back to most of their usual routines within two weeks after surgery. Try to be extra gentle with yourself in the first few days after you get home. Getting up to walk around is good for you, but you may feel weak.

Before subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index decreased to 21.3 kg/m², a reduction of 8.5%. One month after subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index was at its lowest level of 20.8 kg/m², which represented a 10.7% decrease from the healthy weight.

Colectomy carries a risk of serious complications. Your risk of complications is based on your general health, the type of colectomy you undergo and the approach your surgeon uses to perform the operation. In general, complications of colectomy can include: Bleeding.

Clinical signs and symptoms of anastomotic leak include common, nonspecific markers of intra-abdominal inflammation and infection such as increasing abdominal pain, tachycardia, fever, tachypnea, and ileus. If an intraperitoneal drain has been placed, enteric, feculent, or purulent drain output is frequently noted.