Small Intestine Surgery

A resection removes the damaged or diseased portion your small bowel (intestine). The procedure is also known as a small intestine resection. Some surgeries remove a small part, while other resections are more extensive sections.

According to Dr. Jorge Castillo the founder of Tijuana Bariatric Surgery, your small bowel is 20 to 30 feet long. It consists of many tissue layers that twist and fold. This organ is where your body absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat. Removing a section of tissue typically doesn’t affect intestinal functioning.

Who is small bowel resection surgery for?

This procedure is for people with severe gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. They include:

• Abnormal growths, such as small intestine cancer, tumors and polyps.
• Congenital GI disorders, such as Meckel’s diverticulum and malrotation. (Congenital means you’ve had it from birth.)
• Chronic inflammatory GI issues, like Crohn’s disease, that cause intestine narrowing (stricture).
• Incarcerated abdominal hernia, which in severe cases can affect blood flow to your intestines.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis, a complication of prematurity that causes intestinal tissue to die.
• Small bowel obstruction, including intussusception and related conditions, such as intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
• Trauma, including accidents that leave a hole (perforation) in your small intestine

When is this procedure necessary?

You may need a resection if the GI condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments. These include medications or a special diet. In life-threatening cases, like an obstruction, immediate surgical treatment is necessary.

You may need a similar procedure called a colectomy for illnesses and injuries affecting your large intestine (colon).

How can a small bowel resection help me?

By removing the diseased or damaged part of your small bowel, you can restore its function and prevent complications like malnutrition.

Is the small intestine the only thing that’s removed?

For advanced gastrointestinal disease or injuries, you may also need nearby tissue removed. For example, people with Crohn’s disease complications may need an ileocecal resection.

This procedure may remove part of your:

• Ileum, the last and longest section of your small intestine, which ends at your large intestine.
• Cecum, the junction between your small and large intestine.
• Appendix, the small tube that sticks out from your large intestine.

What are the different procedure options?

Many surgical techniques are available:

• Laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions through which your surgeon passes thin tubes with instruments and a camera at the tip.
• Robotic surgery enables surgeons to safely carry out procedures in hard-to-reach areas. Your surgeon uses robotic technology to enhance the reach and precision of their hands.
• Open surgery uses one large incision in the mid-abdomen to access your small bowel. This approach may be necessary if you aren’t eligible for a robotic or laparoscopic procedure.

What happens during small intestine surgery?

Here’s what to expect during your procedure:

1. You receive general anesthesia medications that put you to sleep and temporarily block sensation.
2. If it’s a laparoscopic or robotic procedure, your surgeon makes one or more small incisions. For an open procedure, your surgeon makes one large incision.
3. Your surgeon accesses the affected section of your small bowel.
4. They put clamps on either side of the diseased tissue and then remove it.
5. For an obstruction, blood vessel repair (revascularization) may be necessary to restore blood flow to your intestines.
6. When the procedure is complete, your surgeon closes the incision and places a dressing over it.

What can I expect after a small bowel resection?

You’ll stay in the hospital for a few days. At the start of your recovery, the intestines will need to rest, so you won’t be able to consume food by mouth. Instead, you receive nutrients through tube feeding (enteral nutrition). As you start feeling better, you can consume fluids and soft foods by mouth.

After discharge, you should continue resting for a few days. It’s essential to get out of bed periodically and walk to prevent blood clots. Care may also include follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure your recovery is on track.

How long does it take to recover from a small bowel resection?

Recovery typically takes a few months. However, most people feel well enough to resume daily activities within a few weeks.