Here we discuss the risks and side effects that are commonly associated with bowel surgery.
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Risks of bowel surgery
Your surgeon will talk to you about the risks and complications of bowel surgery. As with any major operation, surgery for bowel cancer has risks. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby organs, or leaking from the joins between the remaining parts of the bowel. After the operation, you will be carefully monitored for any complications. See more on what to expect after surgery.
Side effects of bowel surgery
Temporary or permanent stoma
Some people go home with a stoma. A stomal therapy nurse will see you after the operation to teach you how to look after the stoma and attach bags. For more on this, see Having a stoma. You will stay in hospital until you feel confident managing the stoma.
Changes in bowel and bladder function
You may notice changes to how your bowel and bladder work. These changes usually improve within a few months but, for some people, it can take longer. Internal scar tissue (adhesions) from bowel surgery can increase the risk of developing a bowel obstruction. This may occur even many years after the surgery.
Changes in sexual function
In males, removing the rectum may affect the nerves controlling erections or ejaculation. You may have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for intercourse or other sexual activity. In females, if the rectum is removed, there may be a different feeling in the vagina during intercourse. It may be uncomfortable, as the rectum no longer cushions the vagina.
Learn more about sexuality, intimacy and cancer.
Changes to what you can eat
Learn more about managing bowel and dietary changes.
Fatigue
It is normal to feel tired after surgery. Although it’s a good idea to stay active and do gentle exercise as recommended by your doctor, you may find that you tire easily and need to rest during the day. Take breaks if you feel tired, and follow your doctor’s advice about restrictions, such as avoiding heavy lifting. You might have to remind your family and friends that it may take you several months to recover from surgery.
Learn more about fatigue.
Podcast: Managing Cancer Fatigue
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
→ READ MORE: What to expect after surgery for bowel cancer
More resources
Prof Alexander Heriot, Colorectal Surgeon and Director Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Director, Lower GI Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Cameron Bell, Gastroenterologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Graham Borgas, Consumer; Prof Michael Bourke, Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, NSW; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria, VIC; Amanda Connolly, Specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens, SA; A/Prof Melissa Eastgate, Operations Director, Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Anne Marie Lyons, Stomal Therapy Nurse, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and NSW Stoma Ltd, NSW; Lisa Nicholson, Manager Bowel Care Services, Bowel Cancer Australia, NSW; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Rafi Sharif, Consumer; Dr Kirsten van Gysen, Radiation Oncologist, The Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Sarah Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lower GI, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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