Large bowel resection

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

The large intestine

Colostomy - series

Large bowel resection - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Large bowel resection

Alternative Names:

Large intestine surgery; Colon resection; Resection of part of large intestine; Colectomy; Proctocolectomy

Expectations after surgery:

The outcome depends on the disease. Most patients have relief of their symptoms.

Convalescence:

Most patients will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery may take 2 months. During the first few days after surgery, eating is restricted.

Laparascopic bowel resection for colon cancer may result in a faster recovery time than traditional open surgery.

Review Date: 8/31/2004
Reviewed By: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, MA. Previously reviewed by Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/19/2002).

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