Colorectal Surgery Recovery: What Patients Can Expect
Colorectal surgery is done for many diseases such as colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, mechanical bowel obstruction and recurrent diverticulitis. They often result in major reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Injury, ischemia, rectal prolapse and proctological disorders may also require large or small bowel resection. There are certain risks associated with colorectal surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the instructions of your doctor during the recovery period. It is crucial to get yourself treated by the best colorectal specialist doctor.
Traditionally, the recovery after colorectal surgery has been associated with complete bed rest and long periods of hospital stays. Postoperative period, eating and drinking were almost stopped until the return of the bowel function. It created a risk for malnutrition. Additionally, the recovery rate was much slower at home and the morbidity as well as mortality rate was much higher during the first month of the postoperative process. In recent times, the best colorectal specialist doctors offer multimodal prehabilitation programs which can enhance the functional capacity of the patients and reduce the complications in the postoperative activities. This intervention results in the increase of the survival rate and improved health related quality of life.
Also read: How to Improve Gut Health to Prevent Piles, Fissures & Colon Issues
ERAS Program
The doctors nowadays provide enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program to the patients which is helpful for them for quick recovery. It is a multimodal and multidisciplinary program which addresses evidenced best practice where the major focus is to strengthen the physical and mental health of the patient and the overall well being postoperatively to the major surgical process. The process is crucial for the patients as it helps to minimize the complications such as pain, stress, nausea, thrombosis, atelectasis, pneumonia, dysfunctional bowel function, and organ failure. It ultimately increases the recovery rate and makes the discharge early. As the program is relatively free from pain and able to handle, it further reduces the postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and stress. Overall, it reduces the suffering of the patient and is also very much cost-effective.
The ERAS program encompasses the whole care chain postoperatively and enhances the teamwork between medical professionals and interdisciplinary teams. It is helpful as per the guidelines and objectives so that the patient can recover as quickly as possible before the discharge process. It also requires that the patients along with their relatives are well informed and possess enough knowledge of the planned care. This information about the disease and treatment enhances the ability of the patient for optimal preparation to participate actively in self care and recovery which ultimately creates safety and confidence.
Immediate post-operative period
Pain Management
Pain is very high in the first 48 hours after surgery but reduces after that and is managed with medications.
Hospital Stay
The normal duration of the hospital stay is 2 to 5 days.
Mobility
The patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk with help shortly after surgery. The early mobilization helps in bowel activity and recovery.
Tubes and Drains
The patient may have temporary tubes for the relief of the pain, a catheter or a drain which is usually removed within 24 to 48 hours.
Longer Time Recovery
Diet Maintenance
A low fiber diet is recommended by the best colorectal specialist doctor for the patient to reduce the activity of the colon. The low fiber diet generally includes food like white bread and white rice.
Bowel Habits
The digestive system adjusts during the postoperative period which ensures changes like constipation or diarrhea. It may take a few days for normal bowel function to return while some patients report ongoing changes.
Activity
The patient should avoid strenuous activities for about six weeks.
Wound Care
The patient may experience pain, swelling or burning around the incision sites.
Emotional Well Being
The patient may feel weakness and fatigue which is common in this phase. The regain of strength and energy is a key process of maintaining full recovery.
Follow up Care
The patient needs to follow up with the doctor to ensure that the healing is on track. It is crucial to mitigate any type of concerns. The patient needs to select the best colorectal specialist doctor for any unusual symptoms such as fever or excessive bleeding.
There are different types of symptoms which can arise in this postoperative period. If they are not managed properly, it can lead to severe risks. It is important to consult a doctor in case of symptoms like excessive pain, fever, excessive bleeding, infection, concerns about recovery and ongoing nausea and vomiting. Dr. Azhar Alam is a specialist colorectal surgeon in Kolkata. Therefore, if you are from Kolkata or nearby Kolkata, it is suitable for you to get yourself treated by the expert services of Dr. Azhar Alam.
