West Midlands
Surgical Centre
Surgical Centre
Colorectal & General Surgery Specialist
Call us
Call : 191 767 898
Call : 191 767 898
Recovering from colorectal surgery is different for every patient, but understanding what to expect can make the process much less daunting. Mr Kumar uses minimally invasive techniques wherever possible, which means faster recovery, less pain and a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
Most patients who have laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery spend between two and five days in hospital. During this time you will be helped to start moving as soon as possible, often the day after surgery, as early mobilisation significantly reduces the risk of complications and speeds recovery.
You will have a drip to maintain hydration, and pain will be managed with a combination of regular oral painkillers and, in some cases, a local anaesthetic infusion or nerve block. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the pain is with modern techniques.
For the first two weeks after discharge, rest is important. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and driving. Light walking is encouraged from day one and gradually increased each day. Most patients feel significantly better by the end of the second week.
Your bowel habit may be irregular for several weeks after surgery. This is completely normal. Loose stools, increased frequency or mild discomfort are common as the bowel settles. Mr Kumar’s team will advise you on dietary adjustments to manage this.
Most patients can return to light work and gentle activities within two to four weeks of laparoscopic or robotic surgery. More physical or demanding jobs may require four to six weeks. Driving can usually resume once you are comfortable and able to perform an emergency stop, typically two to three weeks after surgery.
Contact Mr Kumar’s team if you experience any of the following after discharge: a high temperature above 38°C, increasing pain not controlled by medication, redness, swelling or discharge from your wound, persistent vomiting, or inability to open your bowels for more than three days.
Mr Kumar will arrange a follow-up appointment, usually two to four weeks after surgery, to review your recovery, discuss any pathology results and plan the next steps in your care. Please bring a list of any questions you have. No question is too small.