- Why do I need this surgery?
- How will the operation be performed?
- What are the risks? Will my health history & medications affect my surgery outcome? Should I expect more risks & complications than other people?
- How long will the operation take?
- How long will I be in hospital?
- Chemo or radiation – when would I know if I have to have them?
- What exactly does the anesthetic do to my brain, and are there lasting effects?
- Does the anesthetic cause nausea? And what can I do prior surgery to prevent this from happening?
- What needs to happen before I can leave hospital?
- What can I expect for recovery in terms or treatment, medication, diet & home care?
- Will I need supplies & where would I get them?
- When will I generally be able to return to regular activities?
- How do I prepare for the surgery both physically and mentally?
- What can I do to help with my recovery?
- Ostomy supplies, home care help or help from where else?
- Ileostomy or colostomy?
- Typical length of time for an ileostomy reversal?
- Special diet before and after surgery?
- How much physical movement can I have after surgery, especially if I am very active now? What sort of signs will my body give me if I've overdone it with walking or lifting groceries?
This website is for people who have planned abdominal surgery for conditions like colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, Polyps or other digestive / gastro-intestinal diseases.