What to Expect with Colorectal Cancer Surgery

What to Expect

Before surgery

• You will need to have a preoperative physical examination at the surgery clinic.
• You will be given bowel preparation instructions for cleansing the colon.

Getting ready for surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery; this includes water.
• Continue to take medication as prescribed, but with only a sip of water. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or any medication containing aspirin for one week before your surgery.
• Do not smoke after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Do not wear any make-up, especially eye make-up, lotions, or powders.
• Do not bring large sums of money, jewelry, or credit cards.
• If you wear contact lenses, bring the case to remove them before going into surgery.
• Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish. Your nails are monitored during surgery to identify oxygen and blood circulation.
• Bring a list with you of all your medications and their dosages.
• Bring your insurance identification cards, a copy of Advanced Directives, etc.
  

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS:

PRE-OPERATIVE INFORMATION

Bowel prep for surgery

Rectal protocol

Clear liquid diet guidelines

POST-OPERATIVE INFORMATION

When to call your doctor

Day of surgery

• Report to the admitting area to register.
• You will be escorted to the pre-op area in order to change into hospital attire in preparation for surgery.
• A nurse will take your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.) and go through a list of questions to ensure you are ready for surgery.
• The surgeon and/or resident will talk with you to answer any last minute questions you might have.
• The anesthesiologist will talk with you to review your options for anesthesia and pain control. An intravenous (IV) line will be started to prevent you from becoming dehydrated and introduce the following medications before going to the operating room:
  • Antibiotics to decrease the risks of infections 
  • Anesthetic medications
  • Pain medications, as necessary
  • The IV line will remain in place for several days after surgery until you are able to take liquids by mouth.
• You will find the same questions will be asked repeatedly. This is for your safety to ensure accuracy of information obtained.
• Your family/friends will then be directed to the surgical waiting area just prior to your departure to the operating room. Please have a family member/friend available in the waiting area throughout the procedure in order for the surgeon to have a contact person to give any pertinent information necessary with regards to your condition.

In the operating room

Once you are under general anesthesia:

• A catheter (called a "Foley catheter") is placed in your bladder to collect and record urine output.
• A naso-gastric (NG) tube is passed through your nose, down your throat and into your stomach. This tube removes secretions from your stomach that may cause postoperative nausea and vomiting. In most cases this NG tube is removed before you wake up.
• The length of surgery varies from patient to patient and is determined by the general health of the individual and how complicated the surgery is.

After surgery

Following surgery, you will be taken to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) also called the recovery room. You will be in recovery anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and transferred to your room as long as you are in stable condition.

Your doctor will meet your family after surgery in the waiting area to discuss your condition.