Consumer Information

Laparoscopic Bowel Resection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Laparoscopic bowel resection is surgery to remove all or parts of the small or large intestine (bowel). This is done to treat conditions that affect the intestines, such as bleeding, blockages, inflammation (swelling), or infections. It may also be done to remove large polyps (growths) or early signs of tumors in the intestines. The intestines are part of the gastrointestinal (GI) system where food is digested (broken down). The small intestine is the tube that runs from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). It is made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The colon is the long tube that connects the small bowel with the anus (rear end). The colon absorbs water from digested foods and turns the digested food into stool (bowel movements).
In a laparoscopic bowel resection, your caregiver makes small incisions (cuts) in the abdomen (stomach). He uses a laparoscope and other special tools to do the surgery. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a light and tiny video camera on the end. This gives your caregiver a clear view of the abdominal area while watching the images on a screen. The amount of bowel removed depends on the reason why this surgery is needed. An ileostomy or colostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen to drain stool into a bag, may also be made. With a laparoscopic bowel resection, problems of the small and large intestines may be treated, and their symptoms relieved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
Stool softeners: You may be given stool softeners to soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Bowel movements: Exercise such as walking can help you have regular bowel movements. Including foods such as fruit, bran, and prune juice, and drinking enough water can also help. Caregivers may give you fiber medicine or a stool softener to help make your BMs softer and more regular.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.

Rest: You may feel like resting more after surgery. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

Wound care: When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the incisions with soap and water. Afterwards, put on clean, new bandages. Change your bandages any time they get wet or dirty. Ask your caregivers for more information about wound care.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

You have a feeling of being too full or bloated.
You have a fever (increased body temperature).
You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
You are unable to have a BM.
You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
You have questions or concerns about your surgery, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

You feel very full and you cannot burp or vomit (throw up).
You have problems having a bowel movement or passing flatus (gas) or urine.
You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your incision.
You have severe chest or shoulder pain or trouble breathing all of a sudden.
Your abdomen becomes tender and hard.
Your stools are black or have blood in them.
Your vomit is greenish in color, looks like coffee grounds, or has blood in it.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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