Recovery fromcolectomyis going to depend largely upon the patient’s health prior to the surgery.
If possible, talk to the doctor beforehand to learn what you should expect.
Potential Complications
Like most major surgeries, there are risks and potential complications associated with the colectomy.
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They also might need more assistance when they come home.
Barring any complications, they should not require any additional assistance beyond what you could offer.
If they take multiple medications daily, a pillbox or planner might help to keep things organized.
Fill them immediately, as you never know when they may begin to feel uncomfortable after arriving home.
Also, double-check you have their insurance card and ID when you go to pick the medications up.
Check their comfort frequently once they arrive home.
Any medications given for pain at the hospital may begin to wear off and they might be in pain.
There is a good chance they will not feel up to eating a large meal anytime soon.
Smaller, more frequent meals are usually preferable following surgery.
When to Call the Doctor
Review the discharge instructions carefully.
Most surgeons give specific guidelines on what to expect following surgery versus when to call immediately.
In general, you should the doctor if:
Large Bowel Resection.
US National Library of Medicine.
Tevis SE, Kennedy GD.Postoperative complications: looking forward to a safer future.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.
2016;29(3):246-52. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584501
Total Colectomy.
US National Library of Medicine.
