Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

@eyeart (and @patriotspride) ,
Did you have the surgery? My dr told me NOTHING about the side effects I am reading about here, and now I am terrified! I am scheduled to have about a foot of my sigmoid colon removed laparoscopically later this month. I have had four bouts of diverticulitis over the past five years or so. The most recent one put me in the hospital for three days on 24-hr IV antibiotics, and I have been on two different antibiotics since coming home two weeks ago. I am an otherwise very healthy 57-yr-old woman. I was told I could go back slowly to a regular diet starting about two weeks after surgery and that I shouldn’t have any issues. That is NOT what I am seeing here! My job requires me to meet with people daily and to make presentations in front of important executives. I cannot stop in the middle of a presentation to run out of the room, hoping to make it to the bathroom in time. I am hoping some of you can reassure me that scenario isn’t likely. If not, I will be canceling this surgery!

Mine was in the ascending colon. 1 foot removed .

Never had nerve or incontinence issues

I had a new tumor occur in the sigmoid which resulted in my ostomy due to some new cells on the rear abdominal wall and a small tumor still between my bladder and rectum.

Being treated with 6 courses. And then surgery

I’m a stage 4 survivor who made 2 years in remission and did 600 hours of chemo post that resection and Hi Pec surgery so can say the resection went well

Now facing challenge 2 with cancer and it’s been very rough so far.

Wishing you success in your journey

Hello @patriotspride,
Your case is sounding hopeful to me. I am reading so many reports of lengthy recoveries, with uncontrollable diarrhea, and not being able to leave the house, etc... Did you have a sigmoid resection?
And, I know this is most likely a question for the surgeon--what happens to the nerves that surround the sigmoid colon? Are they sacrificed, and that why incontinence happens?

It has been one year since my surgery. I am still healing but the latest colonoscopy shows no sign of trouble. Patience will be your biggest friend. I am still having trouble with bowel movements and leaking which is uncontrollable. Being able to see progress is my savior. Try to see the slow progress you are experiencing day by day, week by week and month by month instead of expecting an overnight recovery. I agree there is not enough information from the doctors explaining the recovery process. It definitely is a long time process and a year at the minimum. Try to see the progress instead of the full recovery as you are healing.

Colon cancer caused me to have a resection. 1 foot of colon removed

Done laparoscopically so no major cut or scar

Recovery was 1 week in hospital to allow healing and progressing through soft to firmer foods

Key was to have gas/ bowel movement’s to ensure digestive system was ok

Post recovery was no lifting over 10 lbs. watch diet , take walks to assist healing

Very successful surgery with minimal pain afterwards

Hope this helps.

I am new to group--I am 68 yr. old female, and have recurrent uncomplicated diverticulitis-- it is becoming more and more frequent. I can manage it with Amoxicillin, but I know it is not a great idea to keep taking antibiotics. I have had 4 flare ups since September, and it is massively painful. My health care team is pointing me towards sigmoidectomy surgery. I am scared to death that I will end up with a colostomy. I am also noting that many patients have very long recovery times, and this is scaring me, too--I have a once in a lifetime travel experience slated for late April, and really don't want to miss it. The surgeon I spoke with gave me a 'what to expect' summary, but he said nothing about long recovery times. I am really on the fence about this. Thanks for any advice!

How do u feel now

My sigmoid resection was also about 8 inches and my colon cancer did metastasize to the right lower lung. My surgery was 13 months ago for the colon and 11 months ago for lung wedge resection surgery.

I did very well throughout both with no complications.
I will say that the lung surgery is more painful than the colon by far.

My sole problem that continues to this day has been diarrhea. I know all about spending the day in a bathroom!

My diet has evolved over time and the bowel problems are finally improving.
I'm meat and dairy free with no fried foods, fast food, junk food, alcohol, etc. I basically stick with food that is easily digested.

Surprisingly, I have never lost any weight; have at times gained a couple pounds or more.

I have blood tests and a CT Scan every 4 months.
So far, so good!

Just recently those blood tests did show that I have hyperthyroidism.
I've had the thyroid imaging and iodine uptake tests. I have no symptoms of Graves disease and are taking 2 medications.

The golden years can be a process of maneuvering through various health issues.
It's not fun.
Best wishes to you and welcome to the Mayo forums! Paul

Colon resection 3 months ago. In hospital 4 days. 8 inches of sigmoid removed. Cancerous polyp, but pathology showed that the cancer had not spread outside of the margins. 24 lymph nodes removed also. No cancer in them. Robotic surgery, so I had 5 small incisions in abdomen and one 5 inch incision below the belly button. For 3 weeks after hospital stay, I was in the bathroom once every hour of the day. Inconsistent texture, no matter what I ate. 1 roll of TP or more per day. Lost 8 pounds due to this situation. Ate low fiber diet and not much of food that would be hard to digest, per surgeons instructions for 3 weeks. Self injected anti-coagulant into belly tissue for 2 weeks after hospital stay. Wore compression socks for 3 weeks (I am a male, socks went from toes to above knees). After 3 weeks of inconsistent BMs, things improved “gradually” each day. After 3 months, I am more normal with BM form, but still use 1 roll of TP every 2 days. My food intake now is higher fiber bread, cereals, extra virgin olive oil to replace butter, limit fat intake (read ingredients on labels), chicken, eggs, lots of fruits and veggies. No red meat. 1 glass of wine per week. Will have my blood drawn for a CEA test this week. Will see if any cancer antigens are present. Will see surgeon for follow up on Aug 1st. Hope the CEA results do not show anything of concern. Also, I walk 30 minutes every day for exercise…I had a triple by-pass heart surgery procedure in Feb 2022. So, the exercise helps my heart and has helped keep my abdominal area strong. I have lost 28 pounds in the last 16 months and have stabilized at 173 lbs.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019. I would love to talk to you more about it. Thanks.