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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A colon stricture is the narrowing of the large intestine. A stricture slows or prevents waste from passing through your large intestine. Your symptoms may be mild or severe. You may not have any symptoms. Colon strictures can become life-threatening if they are not treated.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
will be given to prevent dehydration. You will not be able to eat or drink until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
A nasogastric (NG) tube
uses suction to remove any food, liquid, and air in your stomach. This will help relieve abdominal swelling. The NG tube will be put into your nose and passed down your throat until it reaches your stomach.
- An x-ray may show gas and liquid waste at the stricture area.
- A CT, or CAT scan, may show what area the stricture is in.
- Balloon dilation may be done. A scope with a light and camera is placed into your colon. A balloon is placed over a guidewire and inflated in the narrow area. Healthcare providers inflate the balloon several times for short periods. The inflated balloon pushes against the narrow wall and opens it.
- A stent may need to be placed to open the stricture. A stent is a metal coil. The stent will be left in place to keep the stricture open.
- A resection is surgery to remove the part of the intestine that has the stricture. Then, the remaining 2 ends or 2 sides are sewn together.
- A stricturoplasty is surgery to make the area wider to allow waste to pass. It may be needed if you have had a large part of your intestine removed. It may also be needed if there are many areas with strictures in your intestine.
The bowel past the stricture can collapse if there is no waste moving through. Some of your intestine may need to be removed. The stricture may stop blood flow and the tissue past the stricture may die. Your intestine can tear if there is a large buildup of waste. If your intestine tears, the waste leaks into your abdomen. The leak can cause a life-threatening infection.
CARE AGREEMENT:You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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