Our Summary

This research paper looks at how quickly a patient’s digestive system starts working again after having part of their bowel removed. This can sometimes lead to uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty passing gas and stools. By comparing two groups of patients (one that received normal post-operation care, and one that received normal care plus massage), this study aimed to understand how soon patients could tolerate solid foods and pass gas and stools after surgery.

Results showed that after small bowel surgery, patients could typically tolerate solid foods after about 3 hours, pass gas after about 16 hours, and have a bowel movement after about 36 hours. For patients having right colon surgery, these times were longer: about 16 hours to tolerate food, 44 hours to pass gas, and 70 hours to have a bowel movement. Patients having left colon surgery fell in between: they could typically tolerate food after about 14 hours, pass gas after about 17 hours, and have a bowel movement after about 46 hours.

The findings suggest that recovery time is shortest after small bowel surgery and longest after right colon surgery. This pattern was true whether looking at the ability to eat solid food, pass gas, or have a bowel movement.

FAQs

  1. How long does it typically take a patient to tolerate solid foods after a small bowel surgery?
  2. Does the recovery time differ between patients who have undergone right colon surgery and those who have undergone left colon surgery?
  3. What are some common symptoms patients may experience after having part of their bowel removed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about bowel resection is to be patient with the recovery process and to follow post-operative care instructions closely. It is important to gradually reintroduce solid foods, stay hydrated, and follow any dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare team. Additionally, gentle activities like walking and light stretching may help promote bowel function and reduce discomfort. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider for proper management.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for bowel resection include those with:

  1. Colon cancer
  2. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  3. Bowel obstruction
  4. Diverticulitis
  5. Trauma to the bowel
  6. Chronic gastrointestinal issues such as polyps or strictures

These patients may experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or bowel perforation, which may require surgical intervention such as bowel resection. The decision to recommend bowel resection will depend on the specific condition and severity of the patient’s symptoms.

Timeline

Before bowel resection, a patient may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and blood in the stool. They may also undergo various tests and scans to diagnose the condition requiring surgery.

After bowel resection, the patient will likely spend a few days in the hospital recovering from surgery. They will initially be put on a liquid diet and gradually transition to solid foods as their digestive system begins to function again. The patient may experience discomfort, bloating, and gas as their intestines start to work. They will also need to follow a strict diet and take medication to aid in digestion and prevent complications.

Over time, the patient’s digestive system will gradually return to normal functioning. They may still experience some changes in bowel habits and may need to make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle to manage any ongoing symptoms. Follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider will be necessary to monitor their recovery and ensure that they are healing properly.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about bowel resection include:

  1. What type of bowel surgery will I be having (small bowel, right colon, left colon)?
  2. What can I expect in terms of recovery time and post-operative symptoms after the surgery?
  3. How soon after surgery can I expect to tolerate solid foods?
  4. How long will it take for me to pass gas and have a bowel movement after surgery?
  5. Are there any specific dietary guidelines I should follow after the surgery?
  6. What kind of pain management options will be available to me?
  7. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with this surgery that I should be aware of?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional care after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider making to aid in my recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Faucheron JL, Vincent D, Barbut M, Jacquet-Perrin I, Sage PY, Foote A, Quesada JL, Trilling B, Tidadini F. Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis. 2025 Apr 14;40(1):93. doi: 10.1007/s00384-025-04855-4. PMID: 40229620