Prehabilitation
Before Surgery: Getting ready for a Bowel Resection
Preassessment
Before your operation, you will be invited to a pre-admission clinic where we will ask you questions about your health and carry out routine tests. This will help to ensure that you are safe to have an anaesthetic. In some cases, we may carry out additional tests to further assess the function of your heart and lungs.
We generally admit patients into hospital on the day of their surgery. However in some circumstances we will need you to come in the night before.
Prehabilitation
We know that patients see better outcomes from surgery when their heart, lungs and muscles are fitter and stronger beforehand. Engaging in positive health behaviours can also dramatically improve your quality of life whilst preparing to undergo surgery. This will vary for different individuals but may include quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, having good nutrition, exercising regularly and managing any other medical conditions as well as possible.
Prior to many colorectal resections patients may be asked to take bowel prep (particularly for left sided surgery and antibiotics the day before surgery). If there are any queries about this please call this number: -
Preassessment
Before your operation, you will be invited to a pre-admission clinic where we will ask you questions about your health and carry out routine tests. This will help to ensure that you are safe to have an anaesthetic. In some cases, we may carry out additional tests to further assess the function of your heart and lungs.
We generally admit patients into hospital on the day of their surgery. However in some circumstances we will need you to come in the night before.
Prehabilitation
We know that patients see better outcomes from surgery when their heart, lungs and muscles are fitter and stronger beforehand. Engaging in positive health behaviours can also dramatically improve your quality of life whilst preparing to undergo surgery. This will vary for different individuals but may include quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, having good nutrition, exercising regularly and managing any other medical conditions as well as possible.
Prior to many colorectal resections patients may be asked to take bowel prep (particularly for left sided surgery and antibiotics the day before surgery). If there are any queries about this please call this number: -
Recovery Package
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you will have a detailed consultation with one of the colorectal nurse specialists. In addition to providing further information about surgery and recovery they will complete a needs assessment with you. This will let you highlight any physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial issues that you have and allow us to support you.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
ERAS is a scientific approach that helps patients recover quickly after colorectal surgery (particularly a bowel resection). It also helps reduce post-op complications, length of stay in hospital and improves the patient experience. Our enhanced recovery programme aims to empower our patients and starts from the time of diagnosis. It focuses on
After Surgery
In-Patient Stay
After your operation you will be taken to the recovery area. The recovery nurse will make sure you have recovered from your anaesthetic and that your pain is under control. If you are undergoing day surgery, you can be discharged home from recovery or the day ward.
Recovering at home
When you first get home, it is natural to feel tired and not your usual self. This can be a result of the surgery, anaesthetic, pain killers and not being able to rest or eat properly whilst in hospital. It can also be part of coming to terms with your diagnosis and the events that have taken place. Please contact your specialist nurse if you have ongoing concerns.
Follow up and surveillance
After your operation we will ensure that you have recovered from the operation. Follow up may take the form of a telephone consultation and/or a face to face appointment in clinic. We will make sure that your wounds have healed, that you are eating and drinking well and managing with your stoma or change.
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you will have a detailed consultation with one of the colorectal nurse specialists. In addition to providing further information about surgery and recovery they will complete a needs assessment with you. This will let you highlight any physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial issues that you have and allow us to support you.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
ERAS is a scientific approach that helps patients recover quickly after colorectal surgery (particularly a bowel resection). It also helps reduce post-op complications, length of stay in hospital and improves the patient experience. Our enhanced recovery programme aims to empower our patients and starts from the time of diagnosis. It focuses on
- Making sure our patients are as healthy as possible before surgery
- Providing focused care during surgery
- Delivering optimum care post-surgery
After Surgery
In-Patient Stay
After your operation you will be taken to the recovery area. The recovery nurse will make sure you have recovered from your anaesthetic and that your pain is under control. If you are undergoing day surgery, you can be discharged home from recovery or the day ward.
Recovering at home
When you first get home, it is natural to feel tired and not your usual self. This can be a result of the surgery, anaesthetic, pain killers and not being able to rest or eat properly whilst in hospital. It can also be part of coming to terms with your diagnosis and the events that have taken place. Please contact your specialist nurse if you have ongoing concerns.
Follow up and surveillance
After your operation we will ensure that you have recovered from the operation. Follow up may take the form of a telephone consultation and/or a face to face appointment in clinic. We will make sure that your wounds have healed, that you are eating and drinking well and managing with your stoma or change.