Fever after colon cancer surgery

[cia2008]

why after 1 week colon surgery, my mother who had been diagnosed with stage 2A colon cancer--had high fever about 40 degree Celcius in these two days? doctor can't find the caused of the fever. all surgery wound & condition looks good, according to doctor's examination.
antibiotics also had been given accordingly.
would like yr advice about this fever & possible reason which caused it.

Thanks & regards,
Debbie

[Jaybay]

I assume your mom had bowel resection surgery?  She may need a CT scan or even an exploratory surgery to see if the anastamosis is leaking - that's where the 2 ends of bowel are joined together.  Even a pinhole leak can cause high fever and infection.  If the leak is small enough, many times simply treating with antibiotics will be enough to allow the leak to heal on its own without further surgery.  I'm sure her doctor doesn't want to put your mother through another surgery if at all possible.

This exact problem happened to an elderly friend of mine a few years ago, and 3 months after his initial surgery.  After 4 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics, the hole healed up on its own and he's been fine ever since.  Hopefully the same will hold true for your mom.