Home Care after Bowel Resection HF#4430

The diseased part of the large (colon) or small bowel is removed.  The two healthy ends are sewn or stapled back together and the incision is closed.  You will need to do a ‘bowel prep’ before surgery to empty stool from your bowel.

 

Incision Care

 

• Look at your incision daily.  A normal wound is puffy, pink, may have a clear pink drainage, may be numb and bruised and will form scabs.
  Signs of infection are:
  • Wound is more red or warm to touch each day
  • Pus-like drainage 
  • Excess swelling or bleeding
  • Temperature (by mouth) more than 100.4º F for 2 readings, 4 hours apart
  • Pain not controlled by pain pills
• When you can get your wound wet, you may shower and wash it with a mild soap and water.  Pat it dry.  Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub or swim until incision is healed, this may be at least 2 weeks.  Do not use lotion, powder or ointment on your wound unless ordered by your doctor.
• If you have tape strips on your wound, allow them to fall off on their own.  If they begin to fray, you may trim them with a scissors.
• You do not need to wear a Band-Aid® on your wound unless it rubs on your clothes, drains or it is in a skin fold.  If you wear a Band-Aid®, change it at least everyday and more often if it gets wet.
• It is normal to have a healing ridge over your incision.

Bowel Movements

 

For 6 weeks after surgery you will have an increased number of bowel movements per day.  They will be loose, this is normal.  As your body heals and your diet has more fiber you will have fewer, more formed bowel movements.  If a section of your large bowel is removed, you can also get constipated if you are on pain pills and adding more fiber to your diet.

 

Call your doctor with

• severe abdominal pain
• bloating
• nausea or vomiting

 

Pain

 

It is normal to have some pain in the surgical area.  Pain pills will be ordered for you.

 

Activity

 

• Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks. 
• Nothing strenuous until okayed by your doctor.  Walking is fine and is an important part of your recovery.
• Check with your doctor before going back to work. 
• Resume sex when you feel ready, this may not be for 2 to 3 weeks. 
• Ask your doctor when you may drive.
• It may take 2-3 months for you to feel like yourself again.

 

Diet

 

It will take your body time to adjust from surgery.  For 6 weeks you will have frequent loose stools.  As your diet improves, and includes more fiber, you will have fewer stools per day.  Drink plenty of fluid each day and slowly increase the fiber in your diet to prevent bloating, gas and constipation.

 

• 8-10 glasses of fluids a day (water, juice, tea, etc.).
• At least 4 servings of fruits or vegetables
• At least 4 servings of breads or cereals (2 of these servings should be whole grain).

Food groups	Foods high in fiber
Breads	Whole grain breads or crackers (whole wheat, dark rye, pumpernickel, oatmeal); breads or crackers with seeds; nut breads, bran muffins.
Cereals	Bran cereals (100% bran, concentrated bran); cereals with nuts, raisins, or seeds; "natural" cereals, granola, Maltex®, Wheatena®, oatmeal, Ralston®, shredded wheat
Cereal Products	Wheat germ, wheat, whole wheat, buck-wheat, bulgur, corn, cornmeal, rice, wild rice, brown rice, millet, barley
Fruits	Fresh or canned fruits, especially those with skin or seeds (apples, plums, peaches, tomatoes, berries); dried fruits.
Vegetables	Raw or cooked vegetables (not overcooked).

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

• Incision is more red or warm to touch
• Pus-like drainage 
• Excess swelling or bleeding
• Temperature (by mouth) above 100.4º F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
• Pain not controlled with pain pills
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation

 

Phone Numbers

 

Digestive Health Center: (608) 890-5000.

 

After hours, weekends or holidays this number will be answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the doctor on call or ask for Dr. Harms, Heise, Kennedy, or Foley.  Leave your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, call (855) 342-9900.
 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 04/24/2013

Copyright © 11/20/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4430

Print Health Fact For You