Small bowel resection

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Description

• Indications
• Risks
• Expectations after surgery
• Convalescence

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Small bowel resection is surgical removal (resection) of a diseased portion of the small bowel (small intestine).

Description    Return to top

Small bowel resection is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the abdomen. The diseased portions of the small intestine (ileum) are removed. The two healthy ends are sewn or stapled back together (resected). The abdominal incision is closed.

If it is necessary to spare the small intestine from normal digestive work while it heals, a procedure called an ostomy may be used. An opening called a stoma is made from the intestine through the abdominal wall. The proximal (nearer to the stomach) end of the healthy bowel tissue is then passed through the abdominal wall, and the edges are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall. An adhesive drainage bag (stoma appliance) is placed around the opening.

In most cases, depending on the disease process being treated, small bowel stomas are temporary and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the ostomy may be permanent.

The ileum absorbs much of the fluid from foods. When the large intestine is bypassed by an ileostomy, the patient should expect liquid stool (feces) from the ostomy bag. The constant or frequent drainage of liquid stool can cause the skin around the ostomy to become inflamed. Careful skin care and a well-fitting stoma appliance can reduce this irritation.

Indications    Return to top

Resection of the small bowel may be recommended for conditions such as the following:

• Blockage of the intestine (intestinal obstruction) due to scar tissue or deformities
• Bleeding, infection, or ulcers due to inflammation of the small intestine (regional ileitis, regional enteritis, Crohn's disease)
• Injuries
• Cancer
• Precancerous polyps
• Benign tumors

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Intestinal leaks

Additional risks include the following:

• Bulging through the incision (incisional hernia)
• Narrowing (stricture) of the opening (stoma)
• Blockage (obstruction) of the intestine from scar tissue

Expectations after surgery    Return to top

The outcome depends on the disease process being treated.

Convalescence    Return to top

Following surgery on your small intestine, the length of hospital stay varies widely. It depends on the magnitude of the surgery and what other medical conditions you may have.