What is open small bowel resection?
During the operation, the diseased segment of the small intestine is removed together with the corresponding mesentery.
Depending on the disease, the following is performed:
- segmental small bowel resection
- oncological resection with lymph node dissection
- resection of necrotic bowel
- resection for traumatic injuries
- resection for complicated intestinal obstruction
After the bowel is removed, an intestinal anastomosis is created or, in complex clinical situations, a temporary stoma.
Our approach
At MSI, *our first choice is to perform small bowel resection laparoscopically*, when it is technically feasible, safe, and consistent with the principles of radical treatment.
Open surgery is performed when it provides better control of the disease process or is the only safe treatment option.
Before planned operations, a comprehensive examination is carried out, which may include:
- computed tomography
- MR enterography
- endoscopic examinations
- laboratory tests
In emergencies, the decision to operate is made immediately after assessing the patient's condition.
Postoperative treatment follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)* as far as the clinical situation allows.
When is surgery needed?
Open resection is performed for:
- extensive tumors of the small intestine
- intestinal obstruction
- necrosis or ischemia of the small intestine
- perforation
- severe forms of Crohn's disease
- multiple lesions of the small intestine
- traumatic injuries
- extensive adhesions
- cases where a laparoscopic procedure is impossible
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- malignant tumors
- intestinal obstruction
- bleeding
- perforation
- bowel necrosis
- severe inflammatory processes
- ineffective conservative treatment
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Through a laparotomy incision, the abdominal organs are explored, and the affected segment of the small intestine is mobilized and resected together with the corresponding mesentery.
An intestinal anastomosis is then created. If the patient's condition or local conditions do not allow a safe anastomosis, a temporary stoma may be created.
For malignant tumors, a radical lymph node dissection is performed in line with modern oncology standards.
The removed specimen is sent for histopathological examination.
Advantages of open surgery
- Can be performed in the most complex clinical situations
- Full control over an extensive disease process
- Treatment of severe intestinal obstruction and peritonitis
- Combined and multivisceral resections
- Adherence to modern oncological principles of radical treatment
Recovery after surgery
Postoperative treatment follows *ERAS* principles, taking into account the extent of the operation and the patient's general condition.
The length of the hospital stay depends on the nature of the disease, the complexity of the procedure, and the course of the postoperative period.
For cancer, further treatment is decided once the histopathology results are available.
Our advantages
- Extensive experience in treating complex small bowel diseases
- A commitment to laparoscopic surgery whenever possible
- Open surgery for the most complex clinical cases
- Radical oncological treatment in line with international standards
- A multidisciplinary approach
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
For extensive tumors, severe intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, bowel necrosis, or massive adhesions, the open approach is the safest and allows complete treatment.
Yes. If technical difficulties arise during a laparoscopic procedure or if it is necessary for the patient's safety, the operation is converted to open surgery.
No. In most cases, an intestinal anastomosis is created after resection. A stoma is needed only when necessary to complete the operation safely.
After open surgery, full recovery usually takes *4--8 weeks*, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's general condition.
For malignant tumors, further treatment is decided after histopathological examination and discussed by the multidisciplinary tumor board. For benign diseases, postoperative follow-up is usually sufficient.