Small bowel resectionDefinition: Small bowel resection is surgery to remove�part of your small bowel, which is located between your stomach and large bowel (large intestine).�The small bowel is also called the small intestine. It�is where most digestion occurs.
Alternative Names: Small intestine surgery; Bowel resection - small intestine; Resection of part of the small intestine
Description: Small bowel resection is performed while you are under general anesthesia. This means you are unconscious and pain-free. A cut�is made in the abdomen. The diseased portions of the small intestine are removed. The two healthy ends of the intestine�are sewn or stapled back together (resected). The cut in the abdomen is closed. To help the small intestine heal, a procedure called an ostomy may be done. An opening called a stoma is made from the intestine through the abdominal wall. The healthy end of the�intestine near the stomach�is then passed through the abdominal wall, and stitched in place. A drainage bag (also called a stoma appliance) is placed around the opening. In most cases,�the stoma is�temporary and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the�stoma may be permanent. The�small intestine�normally absorbs fluid from food. With an ostomy, you will have liquid stool (feces)�collect in the drainage�bag. The frequent drainage of liquid stool can cause the skin around the ostomy to become inflamed. Careful skin care and a well-fitting stoma appliance can reduce this irritation.
Indications: Small bowel resection may be recommended for the following:
Risks: Risks for any anesthesia include the following: - Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following: - Bleeding
- Infection
- Intestinal leaks
Additional risks include the following: - Bulging through the incision (incisional hernia)
- Narrowing (stricture) of the opening (stoma)
- Blockage (obstruction) of the intestine from scar tissue
Expectations after surgery: The outcome depends on the disease process being treated.
Convalescence: Following surgery on your small intestine, the length of hospital stay varies widely. It depends on the magnitude of the surgery and what other medical conditions you may have.
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