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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What problems can occur with reconnection of bowel?

    I have had a small part of bowel taken, with cancer, which was very low in the bowel so had to have a stoma which is to be reversed in one month. My question is what problems can occur with having this done?
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  • Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. We … View Profile

    From a nutritional point of view there are a number of very important things to look out for when you have had a stoma reversal.  Firstly at any sign of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting for more than two hours you must contact your GP as this could be a blockage.  If your bowel does tend to block, make sure your diet has plenty of fruit and vegetables as suggested by the Australian guide for healthy eating.  This means up to five serves of vegetables and two of fruit daily.  Drink plenty of water, at least two litres a day and avoid white bread and white rice as this could cause blockages.
     
    Some people have the reverse problem they may have very loose bowel movements until the bowel settles after surgery.  If this is the case then it is wise to follow a low fibre/low residue diet.  This is essentially the opposite of the high fibre diet.  Therefore white rice and white bread are very useful, limit fruit and vegetables to low fibre vegetables.  Bowel habits tend to settle after a number of months, then you can return to your normal diet.
     
    Kind Regards

    The team at Bowel Cancer Australia
    www.bowelcanceraustralia.org

    Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only.  It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.
     
    If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.
     
    Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.

     

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