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Small bowel resection

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Small bowel resection

Definition:

Small bowel resection is surgery to remove part of your small bowel, which is located between your stomach and large bowel (large intestine). The small bowel is also called the small intestine. It is where most digestion occurs.

Alternative Names:
Small intestine surgery; Bowel resection - small intestine; Resection of part of the small intestine

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Description:

Small bowel resection is performed while you are under general anesthesia. This means you are unconscious and pain-free. A cut is made in the abdomen. The diseased portions of the small intestine are removed. The two healthy ends of the intestine are sewn or stapled back together (resected). The cut in the abdomen is closed.

To help the small intestine heal, a procedure called an ostomy may be done. An opening called a stoma is made from the intestine through the abdominal wall. The healthy end of the intestine near the stomach is then passed through the abdominal wall, and stitched in place. A drainage bag (also called a stoma appliance) is placed around the opening.

In most cases, the stoma is temporary and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the stoma may be permanent.

The small intestine normally absorbs fluid from food. With an ostomy, you will have liquid stool (feces) collect in the drainage bag. The frequent drainage of liquid stool can cause the skin around the ostomy to become inflamed. Careful skin care and a well-fitting stoma appliance can reduce this irritation.

Indications:

Small bowel resection may be recommended for the following:

• A block in the intestine due to scar tissue or deformities
• Bleeding, infection, or ulcers due to inflammation of the small intestine (regional ileitis, regional enteritis, Crohn's disease)
• Injuries
• Cancer
• Precancerous polyps
• Benign tumors

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