Why do I need surgery?

• Colorectal Cancer
• Diverticulis
• Larges or Multiple Polyps
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Rectal Prolapse
• Severe Crohn's
• Closure of an ostomy
• Volvulus

A general outline of what to expect.

• Most patients will be in the hospital 3 or 4 days.
• You will be admitted the day of your surgery.
• Pain is controlled with either an epidural spinal block or intravenous (IV) pain medication.
• When you return home, you will be able to shower, eat, and climb stairs.
• Someone should stay at home with you the first several days after discharge.
• When the final pathology report is available, we will know if further treatment is needed.

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is when one end of the bowel is brought out through the abdominal wall, allowing stool to empty into an appliance (a bag).

An ostomy is necessary if:

• we need to remove the entire rectum in order to cure the cancer/disease.
• protection is required to allow a difficult anastomosis to heal.
• the anastomosis fails to seal, resulting in leakage and a life-threatening infection.