The colon is a long tube located in the abdominal cavity. It is used to remove water and salts from the liquid waste excreted by the small intestine, according to the University of General and Trauma Surgery. Problems can occur when abnormal growths form, or pressure increases, within the colon. Colon surgery is performed to remove tumors, large or hard to reach polyps, or herniated sacs located in the colon wall. While complications are rare, it is important to know any risks associated with the procedure.
Bleeding
A common complication that typically occurs after colon surgery is bleeding around the surgical site. Bleeding usually arises immediately following the surgery as a result of an injured blood vessel, according to the website, ColonSurgeryInfo.com. When a blood vessel is damaged, blood can pool around the incision site. While some bleeding is to be expected after any surgery, severe bleeding--bleeding that lasts longer than a couple of days, or bleeding that is accompanied by a high fever, pain and severe bruising can indicate an infection or internal bleeding. Bleeding usually stops after a few days, but severe bleeding that continues or worsens may require emergency surgery.
Blood Clots
A lack of movement can trigger the formation of blood clots in the leg a few days after colon surgery. A blood clot can prevent blood from reaching the tissues and muscles in the affected leg, which then causes the leg to hurt, swell and be cold to touch, according to the website, Colon Cancer Surgery. Sometimes, blood clots loosen from the blood vessel and travel to the lungs causing pain, shortness of breath and in some cases, death.
Swelling
Patients who have colon surgery may experience some swelling in their abdominal areas after colon surgery. Swelling can occur around the surgical site when the skin surrounding the incision becomes irritated or inflamed, or it can arise when fluid drains into the abdominal cavity causing the abdomen to swell, according to the University of General and Trauma Surgery. The metal clips and staples used to close the surgical site can also inflame the skin surface, causing the abdomen to appear slightly swollen and bruised.
Impaired Bladder and Bowel Function
A temporary complication associated with colon surgery is impaired bladder and bowel function, according to the website, Colon Cancer Surgery. Immediately after surgery, some patients have a hard time emptying their bladders and/or completing a bowel movement. While the healing time varies depending on the severity of the surgery, bladder and/or bowel function usually returns by the following week.
