Having Bowel Surgery: Limited Bowel Resection

This surgery is done to treat diseases of the digestive tract. It removes part of the large and small intestines. When healed, bowel movements still occur through the anus.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation may begin a few weeks before surgery and can include the following:

• If you smoke, try to quit.

• Tell your doctor about any medicines (including aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners), herbs, or supplements you take. Ask whether you should stop any of them before surgery.

• If you will have a stoma, a specially trained healthcare provider called an enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse will meet with you. The ET nurse will help you determine the optimal location for the stoma on the abdominal wall.

• Follow any directions you are given for taking medicines and for not eating or drinking before surgery. This includes any instructions for bowel prep.

The procedure

• The diseased portion of the intestine is removed (resected).

• If there is an abscess (infected area), the abscess is drained or removed.

• The ends of the intestine are sewn together. This connection is called an anastomosis.