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Colorectal Surgery: Recovering in the Hospital and at Home

When the surgery is done, you’ll be taken to the recovery room (also called the post-anesthesia care unit or PACU). Here, your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be carefully monitored. You’ll also receive pain medication to keep you comfortable. When you’re ready, you’ll be moved to a regular hospital room. You’ll then be monitored closely to be sure you’re healing well. Your hospital stay may last from a few days to a week, or longer. Once home, follow instructions to help ensure a full recovery.

Female doctor helping man walk down hospital hallway.

Right After Surgery

If you have a urinary catheter, it will probably be removed shortly after surgery. Your IV line will remain in place for a few days to give you fluids. And you’ll continue to receive medication for pain. Soon after surgery, you’ll be up and walking around. This helps improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. It also helps your bowels return to normal. You’ll be given breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear.

If you had an ostomy during surgery, your healthcare providers will show you how to care for your stoma.

Eating Again

You won’t eat or drink anything until your colon begins working again. When this happens, you’ll begin with a liquid diet. After that, you’ll be given solid foods according to your doctor’s instructions.

Recovering at Home

In most cases, you’ll visit your doctor 7–10 days after leaving the hospital. You can get back to your normal routine about a month or two after surgery. Full recovery may take 4–6 weeks or longer. While your body heals, you may tire more easily. You also are likely to have some bloating. Loose stools and more frequent bowel movements are common after bowel surgery. This may get better over time, but may never disappear completely.

Resuming Everyday Activities

Being active helps your body heal. But you must protect your healing incisions. Follow these guidelines:

Walk as much as you feel up to.
Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise until your doctor says it’s okay. Follow your doctor’s advice about climbing stairs and bathing.
You can drive when you’re no longer taking pain medications—usually within a week.