Did the doctor tell you that you need surgery for colon cancer? It's normal to feel a little scared, anxious, and curious about what's going to happen next. That's what most people feel at times like this. But if you're fully informed about the surgery, what happens before and after it, you can reduce your fear and anxiety to a great extent. So, today we'll talk about what happens before, during, and after the surgery.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Before the surgery, your surgeon will meet with you and answer any questions you may have. At this time, he or she will listen to and answer any concerns or fears you may have. This is your right. The doctor will ask about your health history, including any previous illnesses or medications you may be taking. Then, they will perform a general physical exam.
If you need to cleanse your colon before surgery, your doctor will prescribe a laxative to take the night before surgery.
A blood sample is usually taken from almost every patient. In addition, depending on your age and general health, the following tests may be done:
- EKG (electrocardiogram) - Checks the functioning of the heart.
- Chest X- ray.
- Lung function tests .
Finally, you will meet with the anesthesiologist. He or she will explain the anesthesia that will put you to sleep during the surgery, as well as how to manage your pain during and after the surgery.
What should you do the night before surgery?
It is very important to take the laxatives prescribed by your doctor exactly as prescribed. This will help reduce the risk of infection after surgery due to the bacteria that normally live in the intestines.
Most importantly, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
This is a must-follow tip, because if there is food in the stomach during anesthesia, it can come back up into the throat and into the lungs. This can cause serious complications.
Main methods of surgery
There are two main ways to perform your surgery. Your surgeon will decide which method is best for your situation.
| Surgical method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Traditional open surgery | A single long incision is made in the abdomen and the part of the stomach where the cancer is located is removed. This is the method that has been used since ancient times. |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | The surgery is performed by making just a few small holes in the abdomen and inserting a camera and delicate instruments. This is also called "key-hole surgery." There is less scarring and a shorter recovery time. |
A little more about laparoscopic surgery...
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small hole in your abdomen near your belly button and inserts a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope through it. It has a small camera and a light at the end. The images from the camera are shown on a large screen (monitor) in the operating room. The doctor looks at that screen while performing the surgery.
To make the surgery easier, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas is injected into the abdomen to inflate it. Then, several small holes are made to insert other instruments. However, if there are many adhesions (adhesions) or infections in the abdomen from previous surgeries, this method may not be possible. In that case, the doctor may decide to perform open surgery.
What exactly happens during the surgery?
After you are given anesthesia and are sound asleep, the surgeon removes the part of the colon with the cancer, a small section of healthy colon on either side, and the surrounding lymph nodes.
The two remaining healthy ends of the intestine are then reconnected. This can be done using a device such as a stapler (a `stapling device`), or it can be connected in the usual way with stitches.
What is a Stoma?
Sometimes, the two ends of the intestine cannot be connected right away. In such cases, the upper part of the intestine is brought to the surface of the skin of the abdomen , either temporarily or permanently, and an opening is made. This is called a stoma . The stool comes out through this stoma and collects in a special bag (stoma pouch) that is attached to it. If this is temporary, another small operation is performed a few months later to reconnect the intestine from the inside and close the stoma.
Recovery time in the hospital after surgery
After the surgery, you will wake up in a recovery room. An oxygen mask will be placed over your mouth and nose. You may have a sore throat from the breathing tube that was inserted during the surgery, but this will subside in a day or two.
Once you are fully conscious, you will be given oxygen through a nasal cannula instead of a mask. Your blood oxygen level will be monitored regularly using a small clip on your finger.
You will then be transferred to a ward where nurses will measure and record your fluid intake and output (such as urine) . The nasogastric tube that was inserted during surgery is usually removed in the recovery room.
You can start drinking fluids the morning after surgery. You can start eating normal food after you pass air or have a bowel movement. However, if you feel nauseous or vomit, don't worry. This is normal. This is because the intestines are a bit inactive (`peristalsis` is reduced) due to the surgery and anesthesia.
The most important thing is to get out of bed and start walking as soon as possible after surgery. The more you walk, the lower your risk of complications like pneumonia and blood clots in your legs.
The number of days you stay in the hospital depends on the type of surgery you had and how quickly you recover.
How do you recover after going home?
After you get home, you should gradually increase your activity. Walking is the best exercise! Walking strengthens your muscles, improves blood circulation, and keeps your lungs clean.
However, you should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and exercises that put pressure on your abdominal muscles (like sit-ups) for about six weeks. Ask your doctor for permission before resuming any exercise.
It is important to talk to a dietitian about your diet after surgery. Usually, you will be advised to eat a soft diet, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables . If you experience any problems such as stomach upset, talk to your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- It is very important to follow the instructions given before surgery (such as bowel cleansing and fasting) exactly to achieve a successful outcome.
- Although laparoscopic surgery can provide a quicker recovery, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.
- By walking and moving as soon as possible after surgery, many complications can be prevented.
- Never be afraid to ask your doctor any questions, fears, or doubts you may have at any time.
- It's normal to feel anxious when facing surgery, but being properly informed is the best way to overcome that fear.
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