What are the consequences of surgery to remove colon/bypass?

3 Comments

1. ★☆ßĻŨĘ☆★™ says:

   January 20, 2010 at 4:19 pm

   You’d probably have to have a colostomy bag, but it’s not as bad as it seems. My grandmother had colon cancer and they removed her colon, and she still has an active life. To look at her, you would never know. Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery. BUT you need to find a doctor who is willing to tell you anything and everything about what’s happening.
2. Dr Steve says:

   January 20, 2010 at 4:19 pm

   It really depends on how much of the colon is removed.

   If the whole colon is taken out then you will have an iliostomy bag that your small bowel drains into.

   If only part of the colon is removed then you may have a colostomy.

   If the end of the colon is preserved (ie the rectum) then the surgeon can attach the other end of the bowel to it and you wont have a permanent bag. You may have a temporary one to let the joined ends heal better.

   If you don’t end up with a stoma bag then you will likely have loose bowel motions for about six months, after which the remaining bowel should compensate.

   The consequences of not having it done depend on the reason for doing it. If you have crohns or ulcerative colitis it may stop you getting sick. Also reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
3. dan d says:

   January 20, 2010 at 4:19 pm

   Over 500,000 surgeries are performed every year in the United States to treat diseases and conditions of the colon. What sort of signs and symptoms might indicate colon surgery is needed? Although a small number of people don’t notice any signs, often a person will experience one or more of these symptoms:

   * Changes in bowel habits
   * Bleeding from the rectum
   * Unexplained fatigue
   * Chronic constipation or diarrhea
   * Distension of the abdomen
   * Blood or tarry stools
   * Unexplained weight loss
   * Abdominal or rectal pain

   Do I Need Surgery?

   One common reason for people to need surgery on the colon is the development of colon polyps. Polyps are tissue growths on the inside of the colon wall. Although they may not be cancerous, if left untreated, polyps are likely to become cancerous.

   Diverticulosis is a condition causing small sacs or pouches to form and protrude from the lining of the colon. When the polyps become inflamed, the condition is known as Diverticulitis. Most of the time, medications can treat this problem but if an obstruction or bleeding exists, colon surgery may be necessary.

   Cancer is another disease that may require surgical intervention. Left untreated, cancer could easily spread to the lymphatic system, and from there cancer can spread virtually unchecked from organ to organ.

   Post-Operative Details

   If you have a colostomy, you’ll be shown how to care for it before you leave the hospital. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics, which may be given even a few days before the surgery to help reduce the chance of infection developing.

   Your doctor will instruct you likewise regarding diet, but usually patients can return to their normal foods following the procedure. Patients can usually resume their normal routines in a matter of weeks after undergoing colon surgery.1

   1 Although the medical profession states drugs and/or surgery are the only options for this condition, the Editors of this website believe effective natural methods such as eating only organic foods, taking all-natural health supplements, and improving lifestyle habits can help you alleviate symptoms and achieve optimal health.

   http://www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com/colon-surgery.html