Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Hello everyone. I had my 1st colonoscopy 3 weeks ago (57yrs) and they found a non obstructing mass not too far in is the best I can describe it. the pathology came back as pre cancerous so I had a robotic assisted colon resection. This took place 3 days ago. The surgeon I feel was very informative regarding what he was going to do, I actually had a crowd of people talking to me while getting prepped for the procedure, it was very impressive. So the surgery took place at 10am. I was admitted afterwards then at 6am the next morning the surgeon arrived and told me that I had extremely defined stomach muscles that he had never experienced before and that it was a little difficult to get past them. I apologize for taking so long. My concern is this, I was released to go home that afternoon as long as I could function completely, urinate, pass gas, bowel movement and able to walk unassisted. I was all good. Now that I have been home I experienced an extreme burning type pain in my right side groin area when I am trying to sit or stand up. Pain meds dont even knock the edge off of it. It does stop a soon as Im either sitting or standing. Is it because of the muscles being cut or ? I feel sore in the rest of my stomach near the inscissions but it's nothing compared the sharp burning in the groin!! I keep reading everyone is having a long recovery process and I hope everyone gets better. I think I everything is good but that sharp pain scares the hell out of me. I apologize again, I really need to get this out. Thanks anyone that has read this far! As I said I received a lot of info going in but not much of what to expect afterwards about recovery. Has anyone had a moderate to short recovery period with this kind of surgery?

I’ve been getting better every day. I spoke with my surgeon late last week, he told me my pathology came back and there was no cancer or anything nasty. I’ve been taking Fibre One every night and I am now on a “regular” diet. I also take a stool softener every day.
I occasionally get pains that remind me of how it felt when I was having a bout of diverticulitis. That scares me! So far they haven’t to amounted to anything.
Thank you for asking. I hope everyone is staying safe and healing well.

Thank you for this post. I am very concerned that I only have very small bowel movements. Will try fiber (Metamucil) & at least 64 oz. Hydration daily. My surgery was 4 months ago; going for MRI.

Sending positive thoughts that your staples and drains were removed.

Thank you so very much. I will let you know how tomorrow goes. I know my staples will be removed however, I don’t think she’ll remove my drain because I’m still draining quite a bit. It’s ok I’m already feeling so much better and I know over the course of the coming weeks and months I’ll get much better. Leslie

Surgeons remove the staples and drain tubes as soon as medically appropriate depending on the patient's condition. Everyone heals differently. I had robotic surgery, and the incisions were closed with dissolving stitches and medical (glue?). Everything improved a lot 2 1/2- & 4-months (much better) post-op. I will be thinking of you on Tuesday and wishing you happy results so you can recover and be more comfortable. This does get better, be patient. Starting to get up, returning to my normal diet and walking helped me a lot. But ask your doctor first.

Hi Jodi,
Thank you so much for responding 😊. I’m using a little Imodium when the BM’s are too frequent and that’s helping tremendously. My staples are coming out on Tuesday. I know I will be more comfortable once that happens. I’m hoping the drain comes out on Tuesday as well but no guarantee on that since it’s still draining quite a bit. Your advice and input is spot on and greatly appreciated. Leslie