Surgical Complications, Side effects, Recovery, Prognosis

Paul E. Savoca, M.D. Colon & Rectal Surgery General Surgery

Q: What are some of the complications that could happen after colorectal cancer surgery?
Following any major surgery, the potential complications include pneumonia, wound infection, urinary tract infection, and thrombophlebitis. The surgeon, nursing staff, and other health care providers routinely watch for and implement necessary measures to prevent these complications.

It is important for the patient to cooperate with and follow any care recommendations, including cough and deep breathing exercises/use of breathing equipment, getting up and out of bed as soon after surgery as directed and appropriate use of pain medication.

For colorectal cancer surgery, two potential complications can be the slow return of bowel function and a difficulty with internal healing of the bowel that has been cut and/or reconnected. The surgeon and nurse watch the patient closely after colorectal surgery for return of bowel function, indicated by bowel sounds, passing of flatus ("gas"), bowel movement, presence of nausea/vomiting or abdominal swelling. The surgeon and nurse also will closely watch and monitor for effective healing internally indicated by pain/tenderness of abdomen, laboratory values, body temperature, and physical examination.

Q: What is the normal period for recovery?
Each person varies in the post-operative recovery time, based on the staging of the colorectal cancer, the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the person's age and overall health status, and any complications that may occur post surgery. The average recovery time for abdominal surgery is 8 weeks.

Q: What are an individual's chances of survival with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer?
The chances of survival are very good for individuals with colorectal cancer that is identified early and appropriately treated. Early detection is critical. The spread of the colorectal cancer beyond the bowel decreases or eliminates the possibility of cure.