Steps to take before the surgery
The doctor will physically examine the patient, and check the BP or glucose level (in diabetics). The doctor will need to know about the patient’s complete medical history. This will include medicines or any allergies. The patient will be asked to avoid any solid or liquid a night before the scheduled surgery. Antibiotics will be given to the patient before the procedure and blood thinners or other medications might need to be stopped.
What happens during the procedure?
The patient is given general anaesthesia. Two types of surgical correction is done for small bowel resection. One approach is the open surgery, in which a surgical cut is made in the abdomen. The surgeon will make a measured incision, reach the affection portion of the small intestine, separate it from rest of the organs, and then remove it. On the other hand, a Laparoscopic surgery involves making 3-4 small surgical incisions. The surgical instrument called laparoscope is then inserted through one of the surgical holes. The surgeon is able to watch the organ on a screen, with the help of a small camera attached to the lap. Same procedure is then followed to remove the affected portion.
After the procedure
The patient will require a hospital stay for approximately a week. A catheter will be placed in the bladder. The patient may also have a nasogastric tube for nutritional support, and to drain out the stomach contents. Liquids are allowed after 2-3 days. The patient may also need IV nutrition (total parenteral nutrition) for some time.