Bowel Resection & Anastomosis - Khobragade Multispeciality Hospital

What is Bowel Resection & Anastomosis?

Bowel Resection and Anastomosis is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a diseased, damaged, or blocked part of the intestine (either small or large bowel) and reconnecting the healthy ends. This reconnection is known as an anastomosis. The procedure is performed to restore normal bowel function and relieve symptoms caused by various gastrointestinal conditions. It may be required due to conditions like cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, or injury to the intestine. Bowel resection can be partial (removing a section) or total (removing the entire colon, in rare cases).Bowel Resection and Anastomosis is a vital surgical intervention that can significantly improve the health and well-being of individuals suffering from serious intestinal conditions.

Symptoms That May Require Bowel Resection

Patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms, indicating a possible need for surgical evaluation:

Chronic or severe abdominal pain
Bowel obstruction or inability to pass stool or gas
Persistent constipation or diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or signs of infection
Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
Rectal bleeding

These symptoms are typically associated with underlying conditions like colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis.

Procedure / Treatment

Preoperative Evaluation:
Before surgery, doctors perform imaging tests like CT scans, colonoscopy, or blood tests to assess the affected bowel segment.

Surgical Methods:

Open Surgery: Involves a larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove the damaged bowel.
Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive method using small incisions and a camera for guidance, offering quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.

Steps of the Procedure:

The affected bowel segment is carefully removed.
The two healthy ends of the bowel are joined together (anastomosis).
In some cases, a temporary or permanent colostomy or ileostomy may be created to divert waste.

Postoperative Care:

Hospital stay for a few days
Pain management and infection monitoring
Gradual return to normal diet
Follow-up imaging or endoscopy, if needed

Types of Bowel Resection & Anastomosis

Small Bowel Resection – Removal of part of the small intestine (jejunum or ileum)
Large Bowel (Colon) Resection – Also known as colectomy
Right or Left Hemicolectomy – Removal of the right or left portion of the colon
Sigmoid Resection – Removal of the sigmoid colon, often for diverticulitis
Proctocolectomy – Removal of the rectum and colon, often for ulcerative colitis
Ileocecal Resection – Removal of the junction between the small and large intestine

Prevention Tip

While not all bowel conditions can be prevented, the following measures can reduce your risk:

Maintain a high-fiber, low-fat diet
Stay hydrated and exercise regularly
Undergo routine colonoscopy screenings after age 45 or earlier if at high risk
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
Manage chronic gastrointestinal diseases under medical supervision
Address symptoms like rectal bleeding or severe constipation promptly

Benefits of Bowel Resection & Anastomosis

Relief from chronic pain and discomfort
Treatment or prevention of life-threatening complications like bowel perforation
Improved quality of life and digestion
Removal of cancerous or pre-cancerous tissue
Restoration of normal bowel function
Prevention of bowel obstruction or infections