Bowel Surgery
Bowel surgery (bowel resection or colectomy) is an operation to remove part or all of the large intestine (colon) and sometimes the rectum. In general terms, bowel surgery might also refer to rectal prolapse repair or haemorrhoid surgery.
The colon (large intestine) is where waste matter from food becomes poo before being stored in the rectum. It stays in the rectum until the time is right to pass it. There are many different reasons why a bowel resection may be needed, including cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. Depending on the surgery, the healthy ends of the bowel may be reconnected, or a stoma (an opening in the abdominal wall) may be created to allow waste to exit the body. After surgery, there may be an impact on both the way your food travels through your gut and your bowel movements.
If you’ve made the decision to have bowel surgery, you probably have a few questions and concerns running through your mind. Perhaps you’re unsure of what to expect during recovery or are wondering how well your bowel will work after surgery. This is why preparing for and recovering from bowel surgery is so much easier with expert advice.
We’re here for you.
Alongside your medical team, our team of postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists are here to support you throughout your surgical journey. We’ll offer expert advice on bladder, bowel and sexual function, as well as your pelvic floor muscles. We’ll also guide you on everyday activities like lifting and exercise, helping you return to your regular activities safely. With all this support, you will be better prepared for surgery, recover more smoothly – and feel more at ease throughout the whole process.
Preparing for and recovering from bowel surgery is so much easier with expert advice.
Common reasons for bowel surgery
- Bowel cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Rectal prolapse
- Haemorrhoids
Our Proven Pathway for Supporting Bowel Surgery
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by taking the time to learn all about you – as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you, your pelvic health and your upcoming bowel surgery. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes an abdominal and pelvic floor examination, bowel diary and questionnaires to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your bowel condition, we can explore how to best support you through your surgical journey. For example, you might gain a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining good stool consistency after surgery. Or perhaps you’ll learn about the vital role of a strong pelvic floor in supporting your surgical outcomes.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Know that I’m doing everything to get the best surgical outcome
- Recover quickly from my bowel surgery
- Feel confident that I can hold on to get to the toilet in time
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
The second step is where we get down to work. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn what to expect from surgery, any lifestyle modifications for the post-operative period, and how to return to normal activity.
We’ll also start pelvic floor muscle training. You’ll learn valuable new skills and connect with hidden muscles that you may not even know you had. We’ll create an individualised program based on your needs. And we’ll help improve the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles so you can use them when you need to (like when you have a strong urge to go to the bathroom).
Of course, we’ll also include (highly useful) strategies to calm your nervous system, which will be essential for you at this time.
Together, we’ll review your bowel diary and provide you with advice on your stool consistency and bowel habits. We’ll also design a graduated return to cardiovascular and strength exercise.
Not only that, you’ll be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step is all about reaching the goals you set at the start of your journey and getting back to the things you love. Whether that’s returning to work, socialising, exercising or enjoying intimacy again, you’ll have the confidence and skills to manage your bowel control in all kinds of situations. Even things that once felt out of reach, like travelling overseas, can now feel possible.
Of course, life doesn’t always go to plan. Changes in diet, stress, or unexpected events can sometimes affect your progress. If that happens, we’re always here for you. Whether you need a quick reset or a bit of extra support, we’re just a phone call away.
Read about Evelyn 54 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au