Colon Cancer Symptoms and Stages

13. Post-Surgery recovery

After bowel surgery, you may be in the hospital for a few days up to a week. You'll likely need to take nutritional supplement drinks for a few days after surgery to support your recovery, and painkillers will help you keep discomfort at bay. If you've had laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, you'll probably have three small wounds, and open surgery might result in two wounds. A physio will advise you about exercises to prevent clots, and a nurse will give you info about wound care or how to look after a stoma. After you go home, follow-up appointments assess your recovery.

If you experience problems before or after these appointments, contact the surgeon's rooms.