Bowel Resection

Frequently Asked Questions

What diseases and conditions are treated by a bowel resection?

The following diseases and conditions can be treated with a bowel resection:

• Cancer within the bowel
• Crohn’s disease that cannot be managed by medication can be treated by the removal of part of the colon to provide relief.
• The presence of Diverticulitis (small, bulging pouches develop in the digestive tract) that causes severe inflammation or infection
• Intestine blockages preventing food and liquid from passing, and that can cut off the blood supply, causing tissue to die
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped without the removal of a section of the intestine

What takes place during bowel resection surgery?

Part of either the large or small intestine is removed. Once the diseased bowel is removed, the healthy bowel is reconnected and sutured together for continuity or a stoma (opening is made on the surface of the abdomen) is brought out.