Do you also need to have part of your small intestine removed? Let's talk about this surgery (Small Bowel Resection)!

Sometimes, some of our stomach ailments don't just go away with medication, right? At such times, doctors say that a diseased part of the intestine needs to be removed. It's very normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear this. It's reasonable to think, "Oh, what will happen to me if a piece of my intestine is removed?" So today, let's talk about this small intestine surgery, which is medically called 'Small Bowel Resection', clearly and simply.

What is Small Bowel Resection?

Simply put, this involves surgically removing a damaged, diseased, or dysfunctional part of your small intestine. Some surgeries only remove a very small portion, but sometimes a larger portion may be removed.

Now you may be thinking, "How am I going to live if a piece of my intestine is removed?" Think about it this way, our small intestine is an organ that is usually about 20-30 feet long . It's like a long tube that coils up inside the stomach. Its main function is to absorb the nutrients our body needs from the food we eat. So, removing a small part of such a long intestine usually doesn't have a big impact on its functioning. Our body gets used to it.

Who needs this surgery? For what kind of diseases?

This surgery is usually performed on people with serious gastrointestinal conditions. Doctors recommend this surgery only when the condition cannot be cured with medication alone. Let's take a look at what those conditions are.

What are the surgical procedures?

Doctors use three main methods to perform this surgery. The most appropriate method will be chosen based on your condition.

How do you prepare before surgery?

If it's not an emergency surgery, you will have a few days to prepare for the surgery.

• Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and scans are done to see if you can tolerate surgery.
• Stopping medication: If you are taking blood thinners (like aspirin) or some painkillers, you may need to stop taking them for a few days, as directed by your doctor.
• Colon cleansing: The colon needs to be completely cleansed before surgery. You will be asked to eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water for a few days before surgery. You will be asked to limit your diet to liquids as you get closer to surgery. Sometimes, you may be given laxatives or an enema to help your bowels move. All of this is done to make the surgery safe.

What happens during and after the surgery?

During the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia, so you will not feel anything, you will be in a deep sleep. The doctor will make an incision according to the chosen method and reach the damaged part of the intestine. Then, using special instruments, he will grasp the part on both sides and cut it out.

Then comes the important part. Now you have two healthy ends of the intestine, right? What you do next will determine your future. There are two main options here.

1. Reconnecting the two parts of the intestine (Anastomosis)

This is the most common procedure. Like reattaching a broken pipe, the two ends of the healthy intestine are connected back together using sutures or staples . Once this is successful, your digestive system will start working normally again.

2. Ileostomy

Sometimes, the remaining healthy parts of the intestine may not be long enough to connect. Or, because of an infection, it may be too risky to connect them all at once. In such cases, the doctor will bring the end of the small intestine out through a small opening (stoma) made in the skin of the abdomen. Then, a special bag is attached to that opening. The stool collects in that bag. This can sometimes be temporary . Later, the intestine can be reconnected from the inside with another surgery. Sometimes, it has to be kept this way permanently .

Possible risks and side effects of surgery

Like any surgery, this one has some risks.

• Anastomotic leak: This is the most serious complication. It occurs when the intestines are connected, i.e. where the stitches or staples were placed. If this happens, stool can enter the abdomen and cause a serious infection. This is a life-threatening emergency .
• Chronic anemia: Anemia can occur over a long period of time.
• Damage to surrounding organs: During surgery, surrounding organs such as the liver and pancreas may be damaged.
• Diarrhea: It is normal to have diarrhea for a few weeks after surgery. It takes time for the nerves and muscles in the intestines to adjust to this change.
• Hernia: A hernia may develop at some point after a surgical incision.
• Stricture: The area where the intestine is connected can narrow and cause a reoccurrence of the obstruction.

How is the recovery time?

After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. In the early days, you will not be given food by mouth to give your intestines a rest. You will be given nutrition through a tube (enteral nutrition). As you recover, you will be given liquids, then soups, and then soft foods.

It is important to rest for a few weeks after you go home. However, it is not advisable to stay in bed. It is important to walk around a bit to prevent blood clots . It may take several months to fully recover, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

In this case, call your doctor immediately!

It is very important to monitor your health after you go home. If you have any of the symptoms below, call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.