Recovery Time Can Vary Based on Your Surgery
Each patient's experience after colorectal surgery can vary, and a lot of that has to do with the medical condition being addressed and the type of surgery you undergo. For example, laparoscopic procedures that are minimally invasive require less healing time than open surgeries.
In general, the overall recovery time may be between 2 weeks to 6 weeks. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with more details about your recovery expectations. Just keep in mind that what follows are general guidelines for the post-surgical process.
Will I Stay in a Hospital After Surgery?
Yes, a hospital stay is common for medical monitoring after a number of colorectal procedures.
In general, this hospital stay is approximately 1 night to 3 nights for laparoscopic procedures and 1 night to 5 nights for open surgery.
Dealing with Fatigue and Soreness
After surgery you're bound to experience a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and fatigue. This is a body's normal response to surgery. Be sure to get ample rest and to use recommended pain relievers as directed. You should notice improvements in pain and fatigue as the days and weeks go by.
Temporary Dietary Changes Following Colorectal Surgery
While there are no strict dietary limitations after many colorectal surgery procedures, a little bit of pragmatism is a good idea. Be sure to follow any guidelines or suggestions made by your surgeon when it comes to your diet after surgery. Chew your food thoroughly, and try to avoid spicy foods until your surgeon says otherwise.
Considering Physical Activity After Colorectal Surgery
While a little bit of walking after surgery is recommended to help with circulation and prevent blood clots in the legs, it can take some time before a patient can return to regular daily activities. For instance, as a precaution it may be several weeks before a patient can squat or lift heavy objects.
Again, it's best to follow your surgeon's advice when it comes to returning to daily activities and resuming normal exercise habits.
Returning to Work
Your work duties will have a major bearing on when you can return to work and what duties you can perform. Some patients who've undergone minor colorectal surgery can be back at work by the end of the week, while other patients may require a few weeks off of work. If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, this can be quite uncomfortable.
Attend Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
Follow-up visits are scheduled in order to monitor your recovery and to ensure that you are healing properly and free from complications. Attend all of these as scheduled, and be sure to contact the practice if you have any pressing concerns during your recovery process. We can offer guidance and address these matters in a timely fashion to help prevent serious issues from arising.
Learn More About Colorectal Surgery
To learn more about surgical treatment for the colon and rectum and how our team can help restore total health and general wellness, be sure to contact our colorectal surgery centertoday. We will work closely with you to help address pre-op and post-op concerns.
