Properative Instructions for Colon Surgery

• The Process
• Commonly Asked Questions

The Process

• Before Surgery
  You will need to have a preoperative physical exam by your primary or referring doctor. You will be given a sheet of instructions for cleansing the colon (bowel).
  
  
• Day of Surgery
  On the day of surgery, report to the admitting area to register. A nurse will take your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and temperature) and go through a list of questions to ensure you are ready for surgery. If your doctor or anesthesiologist requires a chest x-ray or EKG (heart tracing) and they were not done as part of your preoperative exam, you may have them done at the hospital. Blood will be drawn and sent to the laboratory for current test results. You may also be asked to give a urine specimen. Then your family will be directed to the surgical waiting room and you will go to a preop room. The anesthesiologist will talk with you about options for anesthesia and pain control. An intravenous (IV) line will be started to prevent you from becoming dehydrated. It will remain in place for several days after your surgery until you are able to take liquids by mouth. Before you go to surgery you will be given antibiotics through the IV to decrease the risks of infections after surgery. You will receive medication to relax you.
  
  
• In the Operating Room
  Once you are asleep a catheter is placed in your bladder to collect and record urine output. A naso-gastric (NG) tube is passed through your nose, down your throat and into your stomach. This tube removes secretions from your stomach that may cause postoperative nausea and vomiting. In most cases the tube is removed before you wake up. The length of surgery varies from patient to patient and is determined by the general health of the patient and how complicated the surgery is.
  
  
• After Surgery
  Following surgery you will be taken to the recovery room. Your physician will meet your family after surgery to discuss your condition.
  
  
• Getting Ready for Surgery
  To prepare for your surgery—
  
  
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery; this includes water and chewing gum.
  • Continue to take medication as prescribed, but with only a sip of water. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or any medication containing aspirin for one week before your surgery.
  • Do not smoke after midnight the night before your surgery.
  • Do not wear any make-up, especially eye make-up.
  • Do not bring large sums of money, jewelry, or credit cards.
  • If you wear contact lenses, bring the case.
  • Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish. Your nails are monitored during surgery to identify oxygen and blood circulation.
  • Bring a list with you of all medications and their dosages.
  • Bring your insurance identification cards.

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Commonly Asked Questions

1. How long will I be in the hospital?
   You will be in hospital for approximately seven days.
   
   
2. How much pain will I have and how is it managed?
   The incision does cause pain. There are several alternatives to manage the pain: an injection (hypodermic); PCA (patient-controlled analgesic, where the patient controls his/her own pain medication through the IV); and epidural catheter (analgesic is administered through a catheter placed into the epidural space of the spinal column).
   
   
3. What can I eat?
   You will start taking liquids when the intestinal tract is functioning (you pass gas). If you tolerate liquids for one to two days, you will get solid food. Before then, you may be allowed ice chips.
   
   
4. What kind of diet will I be on at home?
   You will be on a fairly regular diet.
   
   
5. Will it hurt to move my bowels?
   There should be no pain.
   
   
6. How soon can I exercise?
   You can walk, bike, and swim as soon as you want to, but there should be no upper body exertion for one month.
   
   
7. What medications will I need at home?
   You may require pain medication. You should resume your usual medications if directed to do so by your doctor.
   
   
8. How soon can I drive?
   You can usually drive one week to ten days after you leave the hospital.
   
   
9. When can I go back to work?
   You can usually go back to work three to four weeks after surgery.
   
   
10. What will I have to do at home?
    You will be able to care for yourself, but you may need some assistance with cooking, housekeeping, and grocery shopping.
    
    
11. Do I need someone to stay with me at home?
    It would be preferable to have someone stay with you.
    
    
12. When can I have sex?
    In most cases you can resume sex after a few weeks.
    
    
13. Can I swim in a pool or lake?
    Yes, you can swim in either one.

If your doctor is not available, a doctor on call is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. After hours call any of our offices and the answering service will locate one of our doctors on call. In an emergency try to contact us for advice before you to the hospital. A telephone call may save you a lot of time, money, and discomfort.

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