Upper Intestine Removal
This surgery involves the removal of part of the small intestine through an incision in the abdomen. It is also known as an enterectomy.
An upper intestine removal involves the removal of part of the small intestine (bowel) through an incision in the abdomen. It is also known as an enterectomy.
- The main function of the small intestine is to break down and absorb nutrients.
- Occasionally, parts of the small intestine may become blocked or unhealthy (e.g., inflamed or infected) or may die. A resection is done to remove the unhealthy part of the intestine and sew the two healthy ends together.
- Rarely, there is no healthy tissue to sew together. In those cases, the loose end of the small intestine is brought out of the body through a hole made in the abdomen (a stoma). This is an ileostomy.
- An ileostomy can be temporary (to give the affected part of the small intestine time to heal) or it can be permanent (when the rectum and/or a large amount of the large intestine are removed).
A resection of your small intestine may be recommended if you have a blockage that cannot be removed, severe disease of the small intestines (e.g., infection, inflammation, death of bowel tissue due to blockage of blood supply, bleeding), tumors or growths (benign or cancerous), or an injury to the small intestine.
- There are times when the surgeon may be able to perform the surgery through a laparoscope. In those cases, the diseased part of the small intestine is removed using small medical instruments and a camera inserted into 3 or 4 small cuts in the abdomen.
Prior to surgery, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before surgery. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should continue to take on the day of your surgery
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the surgery
If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.
During your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain free.
- General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia for a removal of the small intestine. This is where you are put into a deep sleep and are unable to see, hear, or feel anything.
After the surgery, your nurse will help you get out of bed as soon as possible. This can decrease the risk of post-operative complications, like blood clots and infection.
- After 2-3 days, you may be started on clear liquids. You will usually be able to eat solid food when your bowels start to work again.
- You will need to stay in the hospital for about a week after surgery.
- Don't forget to make arrangements for transportation to and from the facility.
- Pain medication and help at home may be needed while you recover.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a resection of my small intestine?
- What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option? Are there less invasive treatment options for me? Are there any alternatives to surgery?
- How many small intestine resection surgeries have you done? What have the results been on patients like me? What complications have they had.
- I would like a second opinion. Will you help me to arrange one?
- How much of my small intestines will you be removing? Will I need to have an ostomy bag after surgery?
- For how long do I need to fast before the surgery? Is there any other special preparation for the surgery? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What kind of sedation or anesthesia will be used? What are the possible side effects?
- What are the possible complications to this surgery, how will I feel after the surgery, and will I have to modify my activities?
After your surgery, you should know what symptoms you should report to your healthcare provider. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans.
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Upper Intestine RemovalSurgery on Small IntestineSurgery on Small BowelSmall Intestine RemovalSmall Bowel RemovalPartial Removal of Small IntestinePartial Removal of Small BowelOpen Small Intestine RemovalOpen Small Bowel RemovalHerniaEnterectomyBowel Surgery
An upper intestine removal involves the removal of part of the small intestine (bowel) through an incision in the abdomen. It is also known as an enterectomy.
- The main function of the small intestine is to break down and absorb nutrients.
- Occasionally, parts of the small intestine may become blocked or unhealthy (e.g., inflamed or infected) or may die. A resection is done to remove the unhealthy part of the intestine and sew the two healthy ends together.
- Rarely, there is no healthy tissue to sew together. In those cases, the loose end of the small intestine is brought out of the body through a hole made in the abdomen (a stoma). This is an ileostomy.
- An ileostomy can be temporary (to give the affected part of the small intestine time to heal) or it can be permanent (when the rectum and/or a large amount of the large intestine are removed).
A resection of your small intestine may be recommended if you have a blockage that cannot be removed, severe disease of the small intestines (e.g., infection, inflammation, death of bowel tissue due to blockage of blood supply, bleeding), tumors or growths (benign or cancerous), or an injury to the small intestine.
- There are times when the surgeon may be able to perform the surgery through a laparoscope. In those cases, the diseased part of the small intestine is removed using small medical instruments and a camera inserted into 3 or 4 small cuts in the abdomen.
Prior to surgery, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before surgery. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should continue to take on the day of your surgery
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the surgery
If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.
During your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain free.
- General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia for a removal of the small intestine. This is where you are put into a deep sleep and are unable to see, hear, or feel anything.
After the surgery, your nurse will help you get out of bed as soon as possible. This can decrease the risk of post-operative complications, like blood clots and infection.
- After 2-3 days, you may be started on clear liquids. You will usually be able to eat solid food when your bowels start to work again.
- You will need to stay in the hospital for about a week after surgery.
- Don't forget to make arrangements for transportation to and from the facility.
- Pain medication and help at home may be needed while you recover.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a resection of my small intestine?
- What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option? Are there less invasive treatment options for me? Are there any alternatives to surgery?
- How many small intestine resection surgeries have you done? What have the results been on patients like me? What complications have they had.
- I would like a second opinion. Will you help me to arrange one?
- How much of my small intestines will you be removing? Will I need to have an ostomy bag after surgery?
- For how long do I need to fast before the surgery? Is there any other special preparation for the surgery? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What kind of sedation or anesthesia will be used? What are the possible side effects?
- What are the possible complications to this surgery, how will I feel after the surgery, and will I have to modify my activities?
After your surgery, you should know what symptoms you should report to your healthcare provider. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans.
Source UHC.com
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