Stage 3C colon cancer survivor. I had laparoscopic/robotic surgery myself at Mayo-Rochester. They took the entire colon and 108 surrounding lymph nodes and connected the small intestine to the rectum, leaving 4-5 small scars from the incisions. I looked to count them and I can't find them 2.5 years later after surgery. Very satisfied with this, particularly the quick recovery and lack of ongoing pain. Was 68 at the time. Your situation may require fewer incisions since it's a resection.

Went in on a Wednesday and was released on Saturday. The surgery and recovery weren't particularly painful for me - minimal use of addictive pain killers for that. The worst thing for me was that I have arthritic spurs in both shoulders which both went crazy while laying in bed - may also have torn a tendon in one shoulder trying to pull myself up in bed with my elbows.

Basically, they won't let you out until you've pooped which can take a while to get restarted since it will be while as they progress your diet to solid food.

I was sent home with various meds (memory is a bit poor) - one was Oxycodone (directions - if you need it, use it) and another was 28 day supply of self-injectable Heparin (blood thinner to prevent clots). Yes, they had me practice injections before sending me home.

If I remember correctly, follow-up with the surgical team was approximately 6 weeks and in my case also had one with oncology. They will set you up with a regular scan/blood work regimen if needed - in my case quarterly.

In my case (hopefully not yours) they also wanted me to do chemo. I'll leave that for another discussion.

My experience - yours may vary. All the best.