Colon surgery refers to procedures involving the small intestine or colon. These procedures have been greatly advanced using laparoscopic technology for resections and excisions. Open surgeries are often still used when cancer becomes too aggressive or large amounts of tissue need to be removed or altered.
What is it?
Small bowel and colon surgery include procedures that are used to treat the small intestine and colon. These procedures may be related to infection, bleeding, ulcers, cancers, and other conditions. These components of the digestive system are treated in a variety of manners, depending on the case.
What should I do to prepare?
If a patient is receiving small bowel and colon surgery, it is important that he or she follows the eating and drinking restrictions set by the doctor to avoid complications with anesthesia. The doctor should be informed on the patient’s medications and relevant medical history so that these factors can be incorporated into an appropriate medical treatment plan. The patient may need to be on a liquid diet just before surgery. Additionally, he or she may need to flush the intestines out using an over-the-counter or prescribed laxative. Patients should arrange transportation accommodations to be driven home after the operation.
What happens during the process?
Anesthesia may be needed for a small bowel or colon surgery. Depending on the procedure, there may either be laparoscopic or open surgical methods used. This method indicates whether several small incisions or one large incision are needed. Tissues may be repaired or removed by the surgeon based on the scenario.
What are the risks and potential complications?
This procedure involves risks as with any surgical treatment. Specifically, there is the possibility of complications related to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the legs, and breathing problems.
Disclaimer:
All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.
If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.
Image Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Gray1224.png