Procedure prep
Fasting Before Bowel Resection (Colectomy)
A bowel resection (colectomy) removes a section of your large intestine and rejoins the healthy ends. It is done under general anesthesia, and many hospitals now use a recovery-focused "ERAS" plan to help you heal faster.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan, especially with bowel prep changing what you eat. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Iron tablets — your team may ask you to stop these a few days before, as they can affect the bowel; confirm timing.
- Estrogen, the combined pill, or HRT — these raise clot risk and may be paused; ask your team well ahead.
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) before surgery unless your team approves — they can increase bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea that is not part of your planned bowel prep
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test
- A skin infection or open sore near the planned incision sites
- Bowel prep that did not work properly, so your bowel is not clear
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and any allergies
- Relevant scans and reports (CT, colonoscopy, biopsy results) if you have copies
- Any bowel prep kit, ERAS drinks, or written instructions your team gave you
- A packed bag for a longer hospital stay and a ride home for discharge day
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Do I need bowel prep, and exactly when should I take it and my carbohydrate drink?
- Is there any chance I will need a stoma (bag), even temporarily, and how would that work?
- Which of my regular medicines should I stop, and which do I take with a sip of water?
- What is the plan to prevent blood clots — injections, stockings, or moving early?
- How many days should I expect to stay in hospital, and what will recovery look like at home?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to drink a sugary carbohydrate drink before surgery?
Many hospitals use an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) plan, which often includes a clear carbohydrate drink a couple of hours before surgery. It helps your body cope better with the stress of surgery, reduces hunger and anxiety, and can support a smoother recovery. Only drink it if your team gave it to you, and follow their exact timing.
Will I wake up with a stoma or colostomy bag?
Sometimes a stoma is needed, either temporarily to let the bowel heal or, less often, permanently. Your surgeon will usually discuss this beforehand so it is not a surprise, and a stoma nurse can mark the best spot and support you. Ask your team how likely it is in your specific case.
How long will I be in hospital after a laparoscopic colectomy?
Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery often means a shorter stay than open surgery, but a bowel resection is still major surgery and usually involves several days in hospital. ERAS plans aim to get you eating, drinking, and walking sooner to speed recovery. Your team will give you an estimate based on your health and how the surgery goes.
Why is moving around so important after this surgery?
Getting up and walking early helps prevent blood clots in your legs and lungs, which is a real risk after bowel surgery. It also helps your bowel and breathing recover faster. Your team may also use blood-thinning injections and compression stockings, and they will encourage you to move as soon as it is safe.