“How long is the recovery from bowel surgery?”

Normally, 4-12 weeks.

This based on type of bowel surgery. Most small bowel resections can eat in 2-3 days. Colon surgery also can eat in 2-3 days. However, ambulation is based on the size of the incision and if it is laparoscopically done or open.

Depends upon the type of surgery, open versus laparoscopic or robotic and which part of bowel removed. Typically 3-5 days in hospital. Two to three weeks return to work and 6 weeks to normal activity

Recovery after bowel surgery can vary depending on the technical approach. Laparoscopic bowel surgery has a shorter recovery. Open surgery longer. The range of recovery is approximately 4 to 8 weeks.

Recovery from bowel surgery depends on the reason for the surgery, the extent of the surgery, the patient’s medical co-morbidities and illnesses and the type of surgical approach. Minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery generally have a shorter hospital stay, less pain, better cosmetic outcome and quicker recovery. There are enhanced recovery protocols that your hospital may have in place to aid in your recovery. Ask about those protocols during your surgical consultation.

Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Mercy Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital
Colon and Rectal Surgery of New York
195 East Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com<http://www.colonandrectalsurgeryofnewyork.com/>
Loconnor@crsnewyork.com
(o) 631-350-6277
(f) 631-350-2966

It does vary from patient to patient and is based on the surgical approach. The standard answer is 6 weeks. 

Recovery varies depending on what part of the bowel (intestines) that is removed (whether it is your colon or your small intestine). It also depends on why it is being removed. Recovery can also depend on if you have had previous surgery and are prone to adhesions (scar tissue) in your abdominal cavity.

For a general rule, it takes about 2 weeks to recover about 80% and 4-6 weeks to get back to your new baseline. Sometimes though, recovery can take 8-12 weeks and even longer depending on the factors above.