Colon Resection

Colon resection surgery is most often performed on someone who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. If the cancer has not progressed the doctors may be able to take out the part of the colon that is diseased and leave the patient to live a more normal life than with major colon removal. The surgery will involve a section of the colon being removed and the colon will then be sewn back together. For many people this is a very successful surgery that eliminates the cancer entirely.

You will begin preparing for colon resection surgery a few days before the actual procedure is performed. The hospital will want to do x-rays, blood work, and probably an abdominal CT scan. You will probably be asked to take antibiotics for a week or so to help prevent the possibility of infection. You will also need to modify your diet in order to empty your colon as much as possible. You may be asked to go on a liquid diet for a couple of days before colon resection surgery.

Often doctors will order colonics before surgery such as colon resection surgery. This allows the surgeon to have a cleaner environment to work with. It also helps minimize the risk of infections since colonics cleans out the harmful bacteria located in the colon. Unlike taking an enema colonics cleans the entire colon. Using an enema will only reach about ten inches into the colon and it does little good beyond that point.

The day prior to the surgery your doctor will probably ask you to drink a laxative that will completely empty the colon. This will be necessary even if you have the colonic procedure done. Once you drink your laxative you will need to refrain from eating any more solid foods since they will not have enough time to digest and eliminate from the body. Some doctors may allow you to drink clear liquids for the morning hours on the last day.

Colon resection recovery will involve a lot of rest and a modification to your diet. In the beginning you will be given pain medication and while in the hospital you will get your nourishment from intravenous therapy. The hospital may let you start a liquid diet before you go home. Once you get home you will still need a lot of rest and limited solid food. Anything that must pass through the colon might cause tearing in the area where the colon was sewn together. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to remain on a liquid diet.

Your colon resection recovery is a very important time since your body will be healing. It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully so that you can prevent the possibility of infection. When you get to the point when you can eat solid foods again you will need to go slowly and introduce the foods carefully. You may find that in the beginning there will be certain foods that you cannot tolerate. You will probably want to consider a colon cleansing procedure on a regular basis to prevent the occurrence of the cancer returning.