Colon Resection

[Kay2Cole]

After a colon resection surgery that lasted 8 hours is it normal for a patient not to eat 4 days later, taking morphine shots for pain, antobotics and iron meds?

[Morecambe]

Hi, I underwent a total colectomy four and a half years ago.  My operation took 4 hours and your 8 hour surgery certainly seems longer than typical.  Did your surgeon say why?

The aftermath of your operation is very much in line with my own experience.  I described it in more detail for another patient.  Log on to:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

Please do come back with any further questions

Morecambe

[Sue357]

Hi.  I had colon resection surgery ( 7 inches removed) 7 months ago.  I was in the hospital for 5 days.  Mine was done lapro, but hand assisted.  My surgery was only 4 hours and I was on Morphine, then Dilaudid, in the hospital.  I found out I have a high med tolerance, even though I am a small woman so that is why they upped me to something stronger.  I am not sure about your question, exactly, but I know that it was a few days before I was allowed to eat more normal food.  After such a surgery, the colon "goes to sleep" and they don't let you eat until after your first bm.  I also took antibiotics, but not iron meds.  How long were you in the hospital?  Was yours an open procedure?  How much of the colon did they take?  Anyway, I know that my appetite was not very good and so far, I have lost 35 pounds ( which I needed to lose...lol) .  I am not sure that I helped or not, but please reply.  Thanks.