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Bowel Resection

Bowel resection is a surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the bowel, which can include the small intestine, large intestine (colon), or rectum. This surgery is often used to address severe conditions or diseases affecting these areas.

What's Involved? Why is a Bowel Resection Performed? Surgical Approaches Preparing for Surgery Find A Specialist

What is involved in a bowel resection? 

This is major surgery. Your operation will be performed under general anaesthetic; you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

During the procedure, your specialist surgeon will detach the affected section of bowel from the surrounding organs and tissue, and then cut and remove that piece of bowel.  

Usually your surgeon will reconnect the healthy ends of the bowel with tiny staples or sutures. Sometimes, the surgeon will need make a stoma. This brings the bowel up through the muscles of the abdomen and joins the cut end of the bowel to the skin.  

Your surgeon will discuss with you before your operation whether they think a stoma may be necessary.  

Why is a Bowel Resection Performed?

A bowel resection may be recommended to treat a number of conditions where removing the affected section of bowel will improve health and function.

Cancer

Removal of the cancerous part of the bowel, often including nearby lymph nodes.

Inflammation

Surgery may be needed if complications like severe infection or perforation occur or if medications aren’t able to settle the inflammation.

Blockage

To relieve an obstruction preventing the passage of food and liquid, which could cause tissue death due to lack of blood supply.

Severe Bleeding

When uncontrollable bleeding occurs, removing the affected bowel section may be necessary.

Surgical Approaches to Bowel Resection

Open Resection
Laparoscopic Resection
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Resection

Before & After Your Procedure

What to know before your procedure and how to support your recovery.

Your surgeon will be happy to answer your questions and discuss your concerns to ensure that you understand the procedure, recovery, and what to expect.

Preparing for Surgery
Recovery

Find A Specialist

View All Staff

  • Dr Richard Perry

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Ian Bradford

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Deborah Wright

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • A/Prof Craig Lynch

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr James Haddow

    General & Colorectal Surgeon