Small Bowel Resection

Surgery to remove a diseased or cancerous part of the small intestine (small bowel; ileum).

Parts of the Body Involved

Abdomen, small intestine

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure may be done to treat the following conditions:
  • Bleeding, infection, or ulcers due to inflammation of the small intestine
  • Cancer or Crohn's disease
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Injury
  • Precancerous polyps

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Previous abdominal surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • X-rays of the chest and gastrointestinal tract
In the days leading up to your procedure:
  • Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, or ibuprofen before your surgery. If you take any of these drugs on a regular basis, ask your doctor how long before the surgery you should stop taking them.
  • Take antibiotics for several days before surgery, if recommended by your doctor.
  • Your intestines should be cleaned out for the surgery. In the week before surgery, eat high fiber foods and drink 6

Outcome

The final outcome depends on the state of your disease. However, after a recovery period of about 4 weeks, your intestinal problems should be improved.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Inability to keep food down
  • Constipation or frequent diarrhea
  • Stitches or staples come apart
  • Bandage becomes soaked with blood
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine