Colectomy (Open)

PRIOR TO SURGERY
Depending on your age and medical condition you may be required to undergo preoperative testing. This may include blood work, x-rays, and an electrocardiogram. The office will arrange this and give you instructions when you schedule your surgery. Patients will also be given a prescription for pain medication. It is recommended that you fill this prescription prior to the day of surgery.

On the day prior to surgery - Drink only clear liquids.
Clear liquids includes:
· Water
· Apple juice
· Tea or coffee
· Soda
· White grape juice
· Gatorade
· Chicken or Beef broth
· Plain Jello (no added fruit)

The day prior to surgery you may be required to take a regimen to clean out your colon. You also must take several antibiotic pills. This regimen is designed to decrease the likelihood of getting an infection so it is very important you follow the instructions for the bowel prep: (Click here to get instructions on taking the bowel prep.)

It is very important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery. This includes coffee, water, mints, gum, candies. You may ingest only a small sip of water with your morning medications.

Dr. Fusco's office staff will advise you when to arrive at the hospital. Since the procedures scheduled prior to yours may be longer or shorter than anticipated, we ask that you remain available prior to your arrival time so that you can be contacted and informed of any changes in your surgery time.

When patients bathe the night prior to surgery they should thoroughly cleanse the umbilicus (belly button).

Recovery
The surgery is done as an inpatient. The average patient stays in the hospital 5 to 10 days. It is important that patients get out of bed and go for a walk as soon as possible (the night of surgery). This improves lung function and decreases the risk of abnormal blood clots. Patients are asked not to resume vigorous activity or heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This applies to the resumption of work, sports, and sexual activity.

Patients are allowed nothing by mouth (NPO) the night after surgery. Patients are premitted to chew gum. Patients stay NPO till they have evidence of bowel function. They are then given a clear liquid diet and advanced to regular food as tolerated.

Patients are seen in the office 10 to 14 days after surgery for a postoperative check, but patients are encouraged to contact the office sooner than this if they have any questions or problems. Dr. Fusco requests you contact the office for any of the following:

• Nausea or vomiting that persists for greater then 24 hours after surgery - nausea shortly after surgery is commonly due to general anesthesia and usually resolves within this time period.
  
• Temperature greater than 101.5 degrees - Temperature elevations less than this are very common after surgery and usually have little significance.
  
• Pain that is not relieved by the oral pain medication prescribed.
• Inability to pass urine.
• Any questions or concerns.
• Patients experiencing any difficulty breathing, chest pain, change in level of consciousness, or loss of vision or strength should promptly call 911 for transport to the nearest emergency department.