Small Bowel Resection (for obstruction, perforation, Crohn’s)

What is Small Bowel Resection?

Small bowel resection is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the small intestine (also called the small bowel). This surgery is typically performed when part of the intestine becomes diseased, damaged, or blocked. Conditions that may require small bowel resection include intestinal obstruction, perforation, bleeding, injury, cancer, or chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease. Depending on the condition, a segment of the small bowel (duodenum, jejunum, or ileum) is removed, and the healthy ends are reconnected. In some cases, a temporary or permanent ileostomy may be required.

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent abdominal symptoms or has been diagnosed with a small bowel condition, speak with a qualified gastrointestinal surgeon to discuss the best treatment options. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can prevent serious complications and restore health effectively.

Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Small Bowel Resection

The symptoms depend on the underlying condition, but common indicators include:

Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating or distension
Nausea and vomiting
Inability to pass gas or stool (bowel obstruction)
Blood in stool
Chronic diarrhea (especially in Crohn’s disease)
Weight loss or malnutrition
Fever and signs of infection (with perforation)

Procedure or Treatment Overview

Preoperative Preparation:

Diagnostic tests such as CT scans, X-rays, endoscopy, or MRI
Fasting and bowel preparation
Evaluation of overall health and fitness for surgery

Surgical Procedure:

Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
Incision: Surgery may be done using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopy.
Removal: The diseased or damaged portion of the small intestine is removed.
Reconnection: The healthy ends of the intestine are stitched together (anastomosis).
Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples.

If reconnection is not possible immediately, a stoma (ileostomy) may be created to allow waste to exit the body through the abdominal wall.

Recovery:

Hospital stay of 3–7 days (depending on condition and technique used)
Gradual return to normal diet
Pain management and wound care
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and bowel function

Prevention (Where Possible)

While not all causes of small bowel resection can be prevented, certain steps can reduce the risk:

Timely treatment of Crohn’s disease to prevent complications
Regular screening for polyps or tumors
Avoiding ingestion of foreign bodies or harmful substances
Managing abdominal injuries and infections promptly
Following a doctor-advised anti-inflammatory or low-residue diet (for Crohn’s patients)

Benefits of Small Bowel Resection

Relief from painful and life-threatening symptoms
Restoration of normal bowel function
Prevention of further damage or complications
Improved nutritional absorption (in certain cases)
Increased quality of life, especially for Crohn’s patients

Types of Small Bowel Resection

Partial Resection: Only the affected portion of the small intestine is removed.
Total Small Bowel Resection: Extremely rare, involves removal of most or all of the small intestine.
Segmental Resection: Removal of a specific segment such as the ileum or jejunum.
Laparoscopic Resection: Minimally invasive approach with quicker recovery.
Open Resection: Traditional method used for severe or complex conditions.
Ileostomy Creation: Temporary or permanent stoma may be formed if bowel reconnection isn’t possible immediately.

Common Conditions Treated with Small Bowel Resection

Intestinal Obstruction (due to adhesions, hernias, or tumors)
Crohn’s Disease (when unresponsive to medical therapy)
Intestinal Perforation
Bleeding Ulcers or Polyps
Cancer of the Small Intestine
Ischemia or Necrosis (tissue death due to poor blood flow)