Name of the Procedure:

Enterectomy, resection of small intestine; single resection and anastomosis

Summary

An enterectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the small intestine is removed and the remaining ends are stitched back together (anastomosis). This surgery is often performed to treat a variety of intestinal conditions.

Purpose

The primary goal of an enterectomy is to remove diseased or damaged sections of the small intestine. This may be necessary to address conditions such as bowel obstruction, tumors, Crohn’s disease, or severe infections. The expected outcome is to restore normal function to the digestive tract.

Indications

• Chronic or severe abdominal pain
• Bowel obstruction
• Presence of malignant or benign tumors
• Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease)
• Intestinal bleeding
• Severe infections or perforations Patients typically require the procedure if non-surgical treatments have failed or the condition poses immediate health risks.

Preparation

Patients are usually instructed to fast for a set period before the surgery (often overnight). Medication adjustments may be necessary, especially if the patient is on blood thinners or other medications that affect clotting. Pre-surgical diagnostic tests may include blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., CT scans), and endoscopy.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made in the abdomen to access the small intestine.
3. Resection: The diseased or damaged portion of the small intestine is carefully removed.
4. Anastomosis: The two healthy ends of the intestine are sewn back together to create a continuous digestive tract.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

The operation is performed using surgical tools such as scalpels, clamps, and staplers. In some cases, laparoscopic techniques may be employed for a minimally invasive approach.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

An enterectomy is usually performed in a hospital operating room. In some cases, it may be conducted in a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical Assistants
• Anesthesiologist
• Operating Room Nurses
• Surgical Technologists

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Anastomotic leakage
• Bowel obstruction

Rare complications may include:

• Adhesions
• Prolonged bowel dysfunction
• Injury to surrounding organs

Management of complications involves close monitoring post-surgery and medical interventions as necessary.

Benefits

The primary benefit is the removal of the diseased intestine, which can alleviate symptoms, prevent further complications, and improve quality of life. Improvements are often seen shortly after recovery from the surgery.

Recovery

Post-operative care involves:

• Pain management
• Gradual reintroduction of diet
• Monitoring for signs of infection or complications
• Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider

Recovery time varies but generally spans several weeks. Patients may need to avoid strenuous activities during this period.

Alternatives

Alternatives can include:

• Medication management (anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics)
• Nutritional therapy
• Endoscopic procedures

The suitability of these alternatives depends on the specific condition and its severity. They may involve fewer risks but might not be effective in severe cases.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and will not be aware of the surgery. Post-operatively, they may experience pain and discomfort, which is managed with medications. Gradual improvement in symptoms is typically observed as they recover, with full instructions provided for at-home care and activity restrictions.