Colorectal Surgery in Singapore: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Colorectal surgery refers to operations on the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. These procedures are used to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other bowel problems. This guide covers the key stages of colorectal surgery and what patients typically experience before, during, and after their procedure.

What is Colorectal Surgery?

Colorectal surgery includes procedures to remove or repair parts of the large intestine when other treatments, like medication, have not been successful.

Colectomy: Removes part or all of the colon, often used for cancer, severe inflammation, or blockages that affect normal bowel function 

Rectal resection: Involves removing diseased portions of the rectum, typically performed for rectal cancer or severe inflammatory conditions 

Minimally invasive techniques: Use smaller incisions with instruments designed for keyhole surgery, which may result in shorter hospital stays 

Open surgery: Involves larger incisions when cases require direct access to affected areas

Indications for Colorectal Surgery 

Several medical conditions may lead your doctor to recommend colorectal surgery as the most appropriate treatment option.

Colorectal cancer: Surgery is often needed to remove tumours and nearby tissue to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may require surgery if symptoms cannot be managed with medication.

Diverticular disease: Can lead to complications such as bleeding or infection, sometimes requiring surgery.

Bowel obstruction: Blockages from scar tissue, tumours, or other causes may require surgery to restore normal bowel function.

Preparing for Colorectal Surgery in Singapore

Before your procedure, your surgical team will guide you through essential preparation to help ensure a smooth operation and recovery.

This may include blood tests, scans, and other assessments to check your overall health and fitness for surgery. You will also receive specific instructions to prepare your bowels, often involving a special diet and medications to clear the intestines.

If you take medications such as blood thinners or diabetes medications, your doctor may advise adjusting or pausing them before surgery. Maintaining good nutrition and stopping smoking, if applicable, can also improve your body’s ability to heal after surgery.

What Happens During Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery is performed under anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep or pain-free throughout the procedure. Depending on your condition, your colorectal surgeon may use minimally invasive (keyhole) or traditional open surgery techniques.

The goal is to remove or repair the affected part of your bowel while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In some cases, the surgeon may need to join sections of the bowel together or create a temporary or permanent stoma (an opening in the abdomen for waste to exit the body).

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for several days so the medical team can monitor your progress and manage any discomfort.

You will gradually transition from clear fluids to solid foods as your digestive system recovers. It’s normal to feel tired initially, so activities such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation and support healing.

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check your recovery, manage any symptoms, and provide guidance on returning to normal daily activities.

When to See a Colorectal Surgeon 

While some discomfort is expected after colorectal surgery, certain symptoms may indicate complications that require prompt medical attention. You should contact a qualified colorectal surgeon in Singapore if you experience:

• Persistent fever or chills: A temperature above 38°C may signal an infection.
  
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain: Pain that gets worse instead of better, or feels different from typical post-surgical discomfort.
  
• Difficulty passing gas or stools: Or significant changes in stoma output, which may suggest a blockage.
  
• Wound problems: Such as redness, swelling, pus-like discharge, or separation of the incision edges.

Conclusion

Colorectal surgery is a treatment option for various bowel conditions. Understanding each stage of the process can help you prepare for your treatment journey.

Schedule a consultation with our colorectal and general surgeon in Singapore to discuss your condition, treatment options, and how surgery may improve your quality of life.