A sigmoid resection involves removing the diseased or damaged section of the sigmoid colon, the S-shaped lower part of the large intestine. This surgery commonly treats severe or recurrent diverticulitis, and it is also a standard treatment for colon cancer in that segment of the bowel. Understanding the recovery process provides patients with a clear roadmap back to daily life.
The Initial Hospital Stay
The first few days following a sigmoid resection focus on close monitoring and managing immediate post-operative needs. The medical team tracks vital signs, watching for early complications like infection or bleeding. Pain management is a high priority, typically starting with intravenous or epidural medication and gradually transitioning to oral medication as your condition improves.
You may wake up with temporary tubes, such as a urinary catheter to monitor kidney function or intravenous lines for fluids and antibiotics. Early mobilization is a key component of modern recovery protocols, often called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Walking shortly after surgery, even with assistance, is strongly encouraged to help prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia.
A significant milestone is the return of bowel function, confirmed when you begin passing gas. This signals that the intestines are “waking up,” allowing for the gradual progression of your diet, starting with clear liquids or ice chips. The average hospital stay for an uncomplicated sigmoid resection is typically three to seven days, especially if performed laparoscopically. Discharge depends on how quickly you tolerate the dietary progression and if your pain is controlled with oral medication.
Managing Recovery at Home
The period after discharge, covering the first two to six weeks, involves focused healing and managing physical limitations. Fatigue is a common symptom, as the body expends significant energy on internal healing. Prioritize rest and recognize that energy levels may fluctuate for several weeks or even months.
Proper incision care is necessary to prevent infection, whether you had a single large incision (open surgery) or several small incisions (laparoscopic procedure). You can usually shower within a day or two of going home, but avoid soaking the wound in a bath until approved by the surgical team. Watch the incision for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus-like drainage, which requires medical attention.
Activity restrictions are important to prevent strain on the internal surgical site, particularly the newly joined colon segments. Avoid heavy lifting, defined as anything over 10 pounds, for approximately four to six weeks. Driving is usually permitted once you are off prescription pain medication and can comfortably perform an emergency stop, which often takes two to four weeks. Returning to work depends on the physical demands of your job; desk work is possible sooner than strenuous employment.
Diet and Bowel Function Changes
The removal of a section of the colon necessitates a structured dietary progression to allow the remaining bowel to heal and adapt. Initially, the diet is limited to clear liquids, such as broth and gelatin, followed by full liquids like yogurt and thin cereals. The next phase, lasting several weeks, involves a low-fiber, low-residue diet, which reduces stool volume and minimizes irritation to the healing site.
During the low-fiber phase, focus on easily digestible foods such as white rice, refined white bread, cooked vegetables without skins or seeds, and tender lean proteins. High-fiber foods, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and popcorn should be avoided until advised by your surgeon, typically around three to four weeks post-surgery. Hydration is important, as the colon plays a large role in water absorption, and temporary diarrhea can lead to fluid loss.
Bowel function will change due to the loss of the sigmoid colon, which normally stores formed stool before elimination. Expect changes in frequency and consistency, often experiencing looser stools and an increased sense of urgency, especially in the first few weeks to months. This is a normal adaptation process, and while a “new normal” may take several months to establish, most patients eventually achieve satisfactory bowel control. Small, frequent meals can help manage digestion.
Recognizing Warning Signs and When to Seek Help
While post-surgical discomfort is normal, certain signs indicate a potential complication requiring prompt medical evaluation. A persistent or worsening fever (above 101°F) can signal an internal infection or abscess. Pain that suddenly worsens, is not relieved by prescribed medication, or is accompanied by abdominal swelling should be reported immediately.
Problems with the digestive tract can manifest as continuous vomiting or the inability to pass gas or stool for an extended period, which may indicate a bowel obstruction. Any large amount of bright red blood from the rectum is a serious sign. The incision site should be monitored for signs of wound infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus-like discharge.
Complications like a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can present as pain, swelling, or tenderness in the calf or leg. If you experience shortness of breath or chest pain, seek emergency medical care, as these could be signs of a pulmonary embolism. Differentiating normal recovery symptoms from these warning signs is necessary for a safe recovery.