What scars are to be expected? | Surgery for colorectal cancer – Everything important!

What scars are to be expected?

Which scars remain after bowel surgery depends on which surgical method was chosen. If the operation was performed laparoscopically, only small scars are usually left behind. A larger incision is made in the pubic area, through which the intestine is retrieved from the abdominal cavity. This leaves a slightly larger scar. If the operation was performed openly, a larger scar is left, which can be found in different parts of the abdominal wall, depending on the area of the operation.

Duration of the surgery

The duration of the operation depends on the complexity of the procedure and the experience of the surgeons. The larger the tumor, the longer the surgery takes. Occurring complications, such as adhesions in the abdomen, also lead to a prolongation of the surgery.

If problems occur during laparoscopic surgery that require completion of the procedure, the abdomen must be opened and the operation continued in the open surgical method. This change additionally extends the duration of the surgery. It is possible to assume that the duration of the surgery will be a few hours. However, it is not possible to say in general how long the surgery will take. It is not possible to foresee in advance all the problems that may prolong the surgery.

Duration of hospital stay

The operation is followed by a stay in hospital lasting from 10 days to 2 weeks. The length of the stay depends on how well the wounds heal and how quickly normal digestion is restored. In case of post-operative complications, the hospital stay may also be extended.After the operation, the food is slowly rebuilt. It is started with liquid food, such as soups, and in the course of the operation the firmness is increased. It is important that the rebuilding of food takes place in the hospital, as complications can occur.

How long does the entire healing process take?

After the removal of a section of the intestine, nutritional attention must be paid for a few weeks, as the intestine has not yet completely healed. In the first period, diarrhea and pain after eating can often occur. It takes about a month or a little longer for the bowel to recover from the procedure. Always provided that no complications occur.