It is a surgical procedure where a diseased or blocked segment of the small or large intestine is cut out (resected), and the two remaining healthy ends are sewn or stapled back together (anastomosis).

In some emergency bowel surgeries, the bowel ends cannot be safely reconnected immediately due to severe infection. The surgeon brings the bowel to the abdominal surface (stoma) to drain stool into a bag. This is usually reversed a few months later.

For laparoscopic bowel surgery, the stay is usually 4 to 6 days. For open bowel surgery or emergencies, it can range from 7 to 10 days depending on recovery.

Bowel movements may be irregular, loose, or delayed for the first few weeks as the gut recovers. Eating a low-fiber diet initially, followed by a gradual return to normal food, helps regulate bowel habits.

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, abdominal distension, or lack of gas/stool passage.