Symptoms / Nutrition, etc. for Post-Op Colonectomy

[mkl]

Last week I (38 yr old male) was diagnosed with over 250 Polyps in my colon (via colonoscopy). 10-20% are extended on stalks, a few are quite large, and the rest are either circular / flat or blister-like.

He took a few biopsies and the results are due back by Wednesday. I have been referred to a specialist in polyps / genetics, and his surgeon. The next steps include checking my stomach and upper GI for polyps.

Due to the number and placement of the polyps (throughout the entire length), the complete removal has been recommended to me.

My question is: where can I find the best and most easily understood information on post-op symptoms and nutritional needs. I am looking for both the "big picture" and typical details.

I want to be as prepared as possible prior to meeting with the specialists in the next week or two. That way I will not only be well informed, to understand their recomendations, but also get any remaining questions answered as quickly and easily as possible.

PS. My wife is a cardiac nurse of 14 years.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It sounds like a colectomy is being considered for your situation.

Here are some patient information articles on a colectomy, including risks, nutrition, and post-op course:
http://www.shands.org/health/information/article/002941.htm

http://www.colidoscope.com/patients/medicine.html

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/kbase/topic/detail/surgical/uh1586/detail.htm

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/gastro/archive/465.html

http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2600/2664.asp?index=9728

Some of these articles reference colectomy in the face of colon cancer, but the underlying procedure and post-op course will be the same.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[kimbacat]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems.  I think the key thing will be to find out the extent of your situation.  that will determine your surgical options.  there are basically 3 options available for someone that has a total colectomy, a Brooke ileostomy, a Koch pouch or a J-pouch.  which of the 3 will be available to you will depend on what exactly is going on and how extensive it is.  you can find defintions and lots of other info at the Evansville Ostomy Association Website at
http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/   or by searching on any of the terms above.  but please remember that the Jpouch and Koch pouch are not feasible in all situations and might not be apropriate in your situation.  

write all your questions down, leaving room for you to write answers, or take a tape recorder to your doc appts if you feel you will miss information.  

typically, losing just the colon does not create a nutritional problem.  absorption of nutrients occurs in the small bowel and even then, you need to lose quite a bit of that before signficant problems arise.  many, many people live long healthy lives without thier colons.

take care and good luck

[sufferpostopt]

A related discussion, post opt colectomy or colon resection was started.

[mikeandjean]

A related discussion, colectomy after hemi-colectomy was started.