Colon surgery covers a wide range of treatments requiring shorter or longer recoveries, depending on the type of surgery performed. It may be robotic and require fewer incisions, or you may need none or part of your colon removed. The critical thing to remember is that the quality of life often drastically improves after colon surgery.
Here at Boca Care Surgical Associates, that is our aim. Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, wants patients to feel better and start living their lives again after colon surgery, which is why we do as much as possible to prepare you for the treatment itself and the recovery process. Let’s discuss the before, during, and after so you’re fully prepared.
First, you should expect a frank and compassionate discussion about your situation and needs. As a colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Belizon often begins to work with patients at a stage where the need for surgery is already understood. However, depending on your situation, your need for surgery may or may not be dire. This will all be discussed.
It’s also important to understand that different types of colon surgery exist. Colon cancer patients may require only minimally invasive surgery to remove cancerous polyps. In other cases, part of the colon may need to be removed, which could result in Dr. Belizon reconnecting the healthy portions of the colon or the need for additional radiation treatment.
Depending on the right surgery, Dr. Belizon may ask you to make specific lifestyle changes before your procedure. This could include quitting smoking or refraining from taking certain medications. In most cases, you can live normally before the procedure, exercising, working, and spending time with loved ones as you would.
Preparation for colon surgery requires a complete physical exam and digital imaging so Dr. Belizon can determine which type of surgery to perform. As such, everything will already be well when you go in for your procedure.
With laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Belizon can make fewer and smaller incisions and use robotic technology to remove polyps and/or part of your colon as necessary. This procedure is much less invasive, leaving fewer scars and shorter recovery times. Open colon surgery is sometimes essential, but this will be discussed with you beforehand.
If you are receiving a partial colectomy, the surgery may take as many as four hours to complete, while polypectomies often take less time. General anesthesia is given to ensure that you are not awake during the procedure and that you will feel no pain. It may take as little as a few days or up to a week for you to be ready to leave the hospital.
Once again, the intensity of your surgery will determine your recovery process and progress. If you have only had polyps removed, you will likely be healed and back on your feet in a week. If you have had part of your colon removed, it will take longer for you to be back to your old self. The recovery process requires rest, healing, and the administration of medication.
If you have been given a colostomy bag, this may be permanent. Again, you will discuss this with Dr. Belizon before the procedure. Many patients have a colostomy bag for a period while they undergo radiation treatment and heal from the procedure, after which the bag is removed. This will require another surgery to reattach the colon.
Depending on the procedure needed, recovery may be long. Many people feel relieved that they were able to receive treatment that prolongs their life and makes them healthier, but you may also feel sad, angry, or upset about your situation, especially with a more invasive surgery or an ostomy. If this is the case, therapy can be very helpful.
Colon surgery isn’t easy, and you’ll need support. Make sure you reach out to your loved ones, but also don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions, fears, or needs during this time. We’re here for you.
To make an appointment at our Boca Raton, FL, office, visit us online or call us today.
