Some diseases of the bowel require major surgery. This will involve
removing the diseased segment of the bowel then rejoining the bowel
together.
Occasionally it will be necessary to form either a colostomy or ileostomy
(bag) but this is not the case in most patients.
Major bowel surgery requires careful preoperative planning and
explanation.
Often this will mean a series of tests to give as much information as
possible before the procedure.
This will help to plan the operation and predict the outcome of surgery.
In cases of major bowel surgery most patients would be in hospital between
10-14 days.
Conditions that may require a major operation:
| Bowel cancer |
Complicated Diverticular disease |
| Bowel obstruction |
Ulcerative Colitis |
| Crohn`s disease |
|
What happens?
►
Admission to hospital the day before surgery for treatment as an
in-patient
►
Preparation for surgery with antibiotics and bowel cleansing
►
General anaesthetic
►
The operation
►
Post-operative recovery
►
Re-introduction of fluids and food and then return of bowel function
►
Gradual increase in mobility until fit for discharge
►
Final results available of specimens removed for analysis at the time of
surgery
►
Planning of any further post-operative treatment
►
Discharge from hospital with a plan of follow up and any further treatment
►
Review in the out-patient clinic to ensure that recovery is satisfactory |
