Most surgeries that are performed on the colon, small bowel or having larger excisions of the rectum require a more intensive type of surgical procedure. You will be given instructions in our office for how to prepare for your surgery.

You will have an appointment with the hospital’s pre-assessment department for lab work and cardiac testing such as an EKG will be done to make sure you are stable for the surgery. If there is a chance that you need an Ostomy, you will meet with a specialized nurse about 5 days prior to your surgery.

You will be hospitalized after your surgery for an average of 5-7 days. As long as there are no other complications relating to your surgery you will be discharged after you are eating well and having bowel movements (through anus or stoma), and adequate control of pain via oral medication.

Common Questions and Concerns after Colon Surgery:

Q: How long will I be in the hospital?
A: You are in the hospital for approximately 5 to 7 days.

Q: How much pain will I be in, and how will it be managed?
A: You will be given a prescription for pain medication to use after you are discharged. You may experience mild to moderate pain at home that can be managed with the pain medication.

Q: What kind of diet will I be on at home?
A: You will be able to resume a fairly normal diet perhaps with some limitations for a while after you are discharged.

Q: How soon can I drive?
A: You can usually drive one week to ten days after you leave the hospital as long as you are not taking pain medication.

Q: When can I go back to work?
A: You can usually go back to work three to four weeks after your surgery.

Q: Can I take a shower or bath?
A: You can take a shower or bath after your staples have been removed from your incision if you had staples. If your wound still has a dressing covering it, you will need to change it afterwards.

After you are discharged from the hospital, you need to contact our office to schedule a follow up appointment with the doctor. If you had staples, you will be scheduled in our office to have them removed as well.

Someone will need to drive you home after you are discharged. There is a chance you may require some help at home for a while. You will be able to take care of your basic needs, but should limit any strenuous activities for the time being.

CAUSES FOR CONCERN
If you experience any of the following, please call our office to speak with a staff member who can assist you, or have the doctor call you.

• Wound or incision problems such as discoloration, drainage with odor or green color or increased pain not alleviated by your medications
• Fever over 101 degrees
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unusual bleeding from wound, rectum, stoma or other
• No passage of stool through rectum or stoma (if applicable) for more than 2 days
• Diarrhea (watery stools for more than 24 hours)