Have you had to have part of your small intestine surgically removed? (Small Bowel Resection) Let's talk about this!

Sometimes, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when the doctor tells you that a part of your intestines needs to be removed due to a medical condition. "Will I be able to live normally after a piece of my intestine is removed?" "Will food not be digested?" You probably have many questions like these in your mind. That's why, today, we will talk about this 'small bowel resection' or `(Small Bowel Resection)` surgery in simple terms.

Simply put, this surgery involves surgically removing a damaged or diseased part of your small intestine. Our small intestine is a very long, twisted, and amazing organ that is usually between 20 and 30 feet long. It is where the body absorbs most of the nutrients from the food we eat. So even if a small part of this long intestine is removed, our body can usually adapt to it and keep the bowel functioning normally.

Why is it necessary to have this kind of surgery?

There are many reasons why a portion of the small intestine may be removed. Doctors usually recommend this surgery when the condition has not been controlled with medications or a special diet. However, in cases of life-threatening conditions such as intestinal obstruction, surgery may be necessary immediately . Here are some of the main reasons for this surgery.

What are the methods of performing the surgery?

This surgery can be performed in three main ways. The choice of one of these methods depends on your condition and the surgeon's recommendation.

1. Laparoscopic surgery: This does not involve making a large incision in the abdomen. Instead, a few very small incisions are made and a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through them. The advantage of this method is that it heals quickly and is less painful.

2. Robotic surgery: This is similar to laparoscopic surgery, but here the surgeon controls the arms of a robotic machine, performing the surgery more precisely and easily .

3. Open surgery: This is the traditional method. Here, a large incision is made in the abdomen and the intestines are accessed. This method is used when the other two methods are not suitable.

What happens during the surgery?

It's important that you have some idea about this.

The surgeon then makes an incision using one of the previously mentioned methods to reach the damaged part of the intestine. Then, the section is held on both sides with special instruments (clamps) and the damaged part is cut out and removed.

The next step is the most important.

• Anastomosis: In most cases, the ends of the two healthy sections of intestine that remain after the section is removed are joined together and sewn back together. This is done using special stitches or staples. This process is called an anastomosis.
• Ileostomy: However, sometimes it is not possible to connect the two remaining parts of the intestine. For example, if the distance between the two parts is too great, or if an infection prevents immediate reconnection, the doctor will do something else. In this case, an opening (stoma) is created so that the end of the small intestine is exposed to the skin of the abdomen. The stool comes out through this opening and collects in a special bag (ostomy bag) that is attached to the skin. This is called an ileostomy. This can be temporary or permanent.

What happens after the surgery? How long will it take to recover?

You will have to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.

• Eating: In the early days, because the intestines need to rest, food is not given by mouth. Instead, nutrition is provided through a tube (tube feeding). As the child gradually recovers, liquids and soft foods can be started by mouth, as directed by the doctor.
• Walking: While in the hospital, as well as after you go home, it is very important to get out of bed and walk around a bit to prevent blood clots .
• Recovery time: It can take several months to fully recover, but most people are able to return to daily activities within a few weeks.

What are the risks and side effects of this surgery?

Like any surgery, there are some risks involved, and it's important to be aware of them.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

When you go home after surgery, you need to take great care of your body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately .

• Difficulty defecating or not having a bowel movement for several days.
• Nausea and vomiting to the point of being unable to keep down food or liquids by mouth.
• Pus or bleeding from the surgical incision.
• Severe pain that does not subside even after taking medication.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, redness and warmth around the incision.

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