The Colorectal Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai wants patients to be well informed about bowel resection surgery, from preparing for the procedure to recovery and follow-up care.
IV. You will have an IV placed in your hand or arm to give you fluids and medication. It will remain in place until you are able to drink liquids.
Catheter. A catheter will be inserted into your bladder during surgery, to drain urine. It will be removed when you are able to walk to the bathroom.
Leg sleeves. These will be on while you are in bed. The leg sleeves are to help with circulation and prevent blood clots.
Tri-flow. This is an instrument used for breathing exercises. The nurse will show you how to use it. You will use it during your entire stay.
NG tube. The NG tube assists with relieving abdominal discomfort.
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine. It is one way to give you pain medication. The nurse will show you how to use it.
Blood pressure and temperature will be checked frequently. A nurse will check your abdomen for sounds, swelling and pain.
No food or drink today. The IV will deliver nutrition to your body.
You will be assisted with changing your position every few hours to provide comfort and to prevent skin problems. If a tri-flow has been ordered, use it 10 times every hour.
The more you walk, the better you will feel. Walking helps decrease gas pain and stimulate the return to normal bowel function. You should be as active as you can and walk.
The catheter will be removed if you can walk to the bathroom. If your catheter is removed, use the collection hat in the bathroom so the nurse can measure your fluid output.
What do you usually eat at home?
Your blood pressure and temperature will be checked three times today. The nurse will check your abdomen for sounds, swelling and pain. Your doctor may or may not order blood tests.
No nausea is a good sign. Your doctor may start you on sips of water and allow you to drink liquids. No straws will be allowed if you have had a laparoscopic bowel procedure done. The IV will stay in place until you are able to drink fluids easily.
Keep turning every two hours, and ask a staff member if you need assistance. Leg sleeves will be on while in bed. If a tri-flow is ordered, use it 10 times every hour.
You may go home in 24 to 48 hours if you are progressing and meeting your daily goals.
Tell your nurse if you pass gas or have a bowel movement.
A dietitian may visit you today to discuss your diet if requested by you or your physician.
If your procedure involved the creation of a colostomy or an ileostomy, a nurse specialist will visit you to discuss the appliance and its care.
A social worker is available to help plan for post-hospital care.
No nausea is a good sign. Your doctor may start you on sips of water and allow you to drink liquids. No straws! The IV will stay in place until you are able to drink fluids easily.
Keep turning every two hours, and ask a staff member if you need assistance. Leg sleeves will be on while in bed. Tri-flow:Use it 10 times every hour.
Your doctor may let you go home today!
Discharge can occur as early as 10 a.m.
Your doctor will write a list of medications you are to continue taking at home.
Your doctor will select your diet.Your doctor may send you home with either liquid or solid food.
Continue to do as much as you can independently.
Ask staff if you need assistance.
You are ready to go home!
You are able to take pain pills without problems.
You are able to walk independently.
You are able to drink fluids easily.
You are able to comb hair, brush teeth, shave, and get dressed with little or no assistance.
You are aware of the danger signals to watch for at home.
You know when to call the doctor.
You are able to care for your colostomy or ileostomy appliance without guidance.