Small bowel surgery addresses conditions that impact the small intestine, a key part of the digestive system that absorbs nutrients. This type of surgery helps patients recover from significant gastrointestinal issues.
Conditions such as obstructions, adhesions, diverticula, and tumors are treated effectively to improve digestive health.
Advanced methods like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery offer reduced pain, faster recovery, and enhanced precision.
Our board-certified surgeon uses modern technology to provide care that prioritizes your individual needs.
Cutting-edge procedures support faster healing and promote long-term digestive wellness.
Small bowel surgery includes a range of procedures to treat conditions that affect the small intestine. This part of the digestive system is key in absorbing nutrients, so addressing related issues is essential for overall health. Conditions commonly treated include obstructions, strictures, tumors, and diverticula.
These surgeries can often be performed using minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted techniques. These options help improve precision, reduce recovery time, and limit scarring, allowing patients to recover more quickly and regain proper digestive function.
At Slim Surgical, we provide precision and care for small bowel surgery. Our skilled surgeon uses advanced techniques to support faster recovery and improved health.
The process starts with detailed testing, such as CT scans, MRIs, or endoscopies. These tools identify the issue in the small intestine, helping the surgeon create a personalized treatment plan.
Pre-surgery preparation involves optimizing your health through dietary changes, medication adjustments, and clear instructions to prepare your body for the procedure.
Our surgeon uses minimally invasive methods like laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery to address the condition effectively. These approaches help reduce recovery time, limit scarring, and improve precision.
After the procedure, you’ll receive a detailed recovery plan with dietary suggestions, activity guidelines, and follow-up appointments. Regular check-ins support a smooth recovery and promote long-term digestive health.
Small bowel surgery is necessary for serious conditions that disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. If untreated, these issues can lead to major health problems. Surgery is often the best option to restore function and relieve symptoms.
Timely evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent these problems from worsening. Minimally invasive techniques make the procedure safer and help patients recover more quickly, supporting better long-term intestinal health.
At Slim Surgical, we address a variety of small bowel conditions using modern surgical techniques. Below are some of the key conditions we treat, along with how surgery can help.
Adhesive disease involves bands of scar tissue that form in the abdominal cavity, often due to previous surgeries or infections. These adhesions can cause pain, blockages, and restricted bowel movement. Surgery is often required to remove or release these adhesions, helping restore normal function and alleviate symptoms.
This congenital condition occurs when a small pouch forms in the lower small intestine. While it may not always cause symptoms, complications like bleeding, inflammation, or blockages can arise. In such cases, surgery is performed to remove the pouch and prevent further problems.
A diverticulum is a small pouch that can develop in the small intestine. Although it’s more common in the colon, these pouches can cause inflammation, infection, or even perforation. Severe cases often require surgery to remove the affected area and resolve symptoms.
Blockages in the small intestine prevent the normal flow of contents, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating. Causes include adhesions, hernias, or tumors. Surgery is often needed to remove the blockage and prevent complications like tissue damage or perforation.
This condition occurs when one part of the intestine slides into another, creating a telescoping effect. It can lead to obstruction, reduced blood flow, and severe pain. Though more common in children, it can also affect adults. Surgery is usually required to correct the issue and restore normal function.
Recovering from small bowel surgery is a gradual process that prioritizes healing, regaining digestive function, and improving your overall well-being. Here’s what to expect during the recovery timeline:
Focus on healing with a bland or soft food diet while managing pain and monitoring for complications.
Continue to engage in light activities like walking to support recovery.
May slowly increase activities and depending on the type of work performed (ie desk job) may be able to return to work during this time period.
Should be back to all normal activities and a balanced diet by this time. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled based on individual needs and progress to ensure appropriate recovery and health maintenance.
At Slim Surgical, we focus on exceptional care for patients needing small bowel surgery, combining advanced techniques and personalized support to ensure effective treatment and recovery.
Expertise in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques.
From diagnosis to post-surgery recovery.
Skilled in handling complex small bowel conditions.
Equipped with advanced surgical technology.
At Slim Surgical, dedication to innovation, precision, and patient-centered care ensures you’re in the best hands for your small bowel surgery. Let us support your path to better digestive health.
The main risks associated with small bowel surgery include infection at the surgical site or within the abdominal cavity, significant bleeding during or after surgery, and the formation of blood clots in the legs or lungs due to reduced mobility. There is also a risk of damage to nearby organs, anastomotic leaks (when reconnected bowel ends leak), and incisional hernias. Patients may develop scar tissue causing future blockages, experience chronic changes in bowel habits, or face wound complications like dehiscence. Additionally, removing large portions of the bowel can lead to short bowel syndrome, affecting nutrient absorption and causing malnutrition. These risks should be carefully discussed with a healthcare provider before surgery.
Recovery after small bowel resection typically involves a short hospital stay after, but may be prolonged for a variety of reasons. After discharge, light daily activities can often be resumed immediately. Most individuals are able to return to all regular activities within 2 to 4 weeks, but this may take longer for certain individuals depending on the situation. The overall recovery process is gradual, requiring adjustments and regular follow-up care to ensure proper healing and adaptation to any digestive changes.
Adhesive disease, characterized by scar tissue formation after surgery, cannot be entirely prevented but can be minimized through strategies such as using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy or robotic assisted techniques to reduce tissue trauma, gentle handling of tissues, and maintaining optimal hemostasis. While these measures significantly lower the likelihood of adhesions, ongoing research continues to improve prevention methods.
Complications from Meckel's diverticulum, which affect an estimated 4% to 25% of individuals with the condition, include hemorrhage caused by ulceration from ectopic gastric mucosa, often presenting as bright red blood in stools and potentially leading to shock. Intestinal obstruction, occurring in 20-25% of symptomatic cases, can result from fibrous bands or intussusception, with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Diverticulitis affects 10-20% of patients and can lead to perforation and peritonitis, while rare complications include tumors, such as leiomyomas and carcinoid tumors, and perforation from inflammation or foreign bodies. Awareness of these complications is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment, even though many individuals remain asymptomatic.
Common symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal pain, along with fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. Additional symptoms may include abdominal distension and tenderness in the affected area. Prompt medical attention is recommended if these symptoms, particularly severe pain or fever, occur.
Treatment for small bowel obstruction (SBO) typically begins with hospitalization, where patients undergo bowel rest (no eating or drinking), receive intravenous fluids to address dehydration, and often have a nasogastric tube inserted to relieve fluid and gas buildup. Symptoms such as pain and nausea are managed with medications, and the obstruction is closely monitored to see if it resolves on its own. If conservative measures fail or complications arise, surgical intervention may be necessary, including cutting scar tissue (lysis of adhesions) or removing damaged sections of the intestine. Post-surgery, patients are monitored and gradually resume eating as they recover.
Start your journey toward health and confidence with Slim Surgical. Our expert surgeon is here to guide you every step of the way with advanced care tailored to your goals.
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