A small bowel resection is most commonly part of another procedure. One of the most common procedures that might include a small bowel resection is a ventral hernia repair requiring extensive lysis or removal of adhesions and scar tissue. The small bowel may be necrotic or damaged during the procedure and require resection. Rarely patients require a small bowel resection due to tumors. Some people also receive a small bowel resection due to an intractable bowel obstruction. Regardless of the reason, a small bowel resection is a serious procedure.

The surgeon will try to minimize the amount of bowel removed to ensure adequate nutritional absorption. Depending on the indication for the abdominal exploration, the surgeon may approach the resection laparoscopically or open. Once the surgeon is within the abdomen, a stapler is used to divide the diseased area. The stapler simultaneously seals and cuts the tissue. Once the small bowel has been removed, the remaining small bowel will be put back together. Recovery time depends on the other procedures the patient undergoes. Most people have a relatively short recovery time with only a short distance small bowel resection. If the bowel falls apart, this can lead to serious complications that will require revision surgery. While most patients make a full recovery, it is essential that people take their time with the recovery process to ensure that the surgical site heals appropriately.

Clearly, this is an involved procedure and patients on Florida’s West Coast should make sure that they locate an exceptional double board-certified vascular and general surgeon. Dr. Jenna Kazil is the lead double board-certified general and vascular surgeon at Florida Surgical Clinic located in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida. Jenna Kazil, MD, FACS, RPVI is an admirable surgical specialist working as a general and vascular surgeon seeing patients from Desoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Patients needing a small bowel resection or any other general or vascular surgery should contact the clinic today to schedule an appointment for all their vascular and general surgical needs.