Problems After Colon Surgery

Colon surgery is a common colon cancer treatment, but surgery is performed to treat more conditions than just cancer. Colon surgery may be needed to correct diverticulitis or to remove colon polyps. Like any invasive procedure, colon surgery has its risks and complications.

Ileus

• Ileus is a condition where the muscles responsible for contracting the large intestine to push the feces through become lax, which causes difficulty in passing feces out of the bowels. This could prolong a hospital stay and cause the need to be fed intravenously.

Intestinal Obstruction

• One of the most serious problems resulting from colon surgery is an intestinal blockage from the post-surgery scarring. A partially blocked intestine only causes discomfort and difficulty in passing waste, but a fully blocked intestine requires emergency surgery.

Infection

• Infection is one of the most common complications from any surgery. Most infections are minor and only require antibiotics.

Abscesses

• An abscess could also form in the colon, usually around the site of the surgery. Depending on the size of the abscess, it may only need antibiotics for treatment.

Medication Reactions

• Reaction to the anesthesia or the medications prescribed post-surgery can also cause problems. Be sure to always tell your doctor if you have any allergies or have had difficulties to a certain medication or anesthesia in the past.

Injuries to Other Organs

• Other organs can be injured and damaged during the surgical procedure, although this is very rare. The organs at risk are the spleen, stomach, small intestine, bladder, uterus and ovaries. These injuries could cause hernias or require a colostomy or additional surgery.