Any surgery can have nutritional implications, however with Bowel Surgery this is particularly the case.
It is important to optimise your nutritional status before and after surgery to help aid wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Furthermore some types of surgery will cause long term nutritional problems which may require dietary modifications for life.
Often the reasons leading to bowel surgery will in themselves mean a patient is already at risk of undernutrition.
If part of the bowel is resected it will depend upon the site of excised bowel and amount left that will influence any nutritional problems.
The small bowel is where the absorption of nutrients takes place; the large bowel reabsorbs water and sodium.
Gastrectomy
A gastrectomy may be necessary for a number of reasons, including cancer. The gastrectomy may be total or partial i.e.. All or part of the stomach is removed.
Both of these will require dietetic assessment and advice to help avoid the risk of possible problems such as dumping syndrome or malnutrition.
Colostomy/ileostomy (Stomas)
A stoma is formed when part of the bowel is brought out to the surface of the abdomen. Depending which part of the bowel the stoma is formed, gives the stoma it’s name. For example a stoma formed from the colon (large bowel) is called a colostomy, a stoma formed from the ileum (part of the small bowel) is called an ileostomy.
The output from a colostomy will be formed similar to a normal stool, however an ileostomy will always have a loose output.
Generally a normal healthy diet can be taken, however sometimes certain foods maybe recommended to avoid. This may be due to the condition that resulted in the surgery eg, Crohns Disease requiring an ileostomy.
How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
An Eatatease Dietitian can offer more information on bowel and gastric surgery including general dietary advice. For a comprehensive personal dietary assessment undertaken by a UK registered Dietitian click on e-consultation.
Get PERSONALLY tailored diet advice on bowel surgery from one of our registered dietitians!
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