Small Bowel Resection
During a small bowel resection, part of the small intestine is removed to treat various medical problems. During a small bowel resection, the surgeon removes the diseased portion of the small intestine and stitches the healthy ends together. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Reasons for small bowel resection may include:
- Tumors
- Polyps
- Intestinal blockages
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Ulcers
- Abdominal injuries
Small bowel resection may be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopically. Where appropriate, laparoscopic small bowel resection has advantages over traditional surgery since it requires three to four small incisions instead of the single large incision of open surgery. The abdomen is filled with gas to help the surgeon better visualize the surgical site. As with other laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopic small bowel resection offers patients less post-operative pain, less bleeding, smaller scars and a shorter recovery period.
For some patients, while the intestine is healing, a procedure called an ostomy may be performed. During an ostomy, a small hole is made in the abdominal wall, and the healthy end of the intestine near the stomach is drawn through it. A drainage bag around the opening collects waste. Ostomies are usually temporary and may be reversed during a second operation, when the small bowel is closed.